Debutants Hope FC complete fairytale rise to Western Cape Motsepe League crown

Mark Ward

Hope FC are one step away from South Africa’s second tier, capping a dream debut season by winning the Western Cape ABC Motsepe League title in a hard-fought final against Hanover Park’s Diadora FC on Sunday.

The club entered the semi-professional ranks this season as Sea Point Swifts before rebranding to Hope FC, capped off a remarkable debut campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Diadora FC at a packed William Herbert Sports Ground in Wynberg.

After finishing top of Stream A during the regular season, Hope carried their momentum into the provincial decider and capitalised on a major turning point when Diadora were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of star player Marcelino Stuurman in the 35th minute.

The encounter remained fiercely competitive from end to end before Hope finally found the breakthrough to seal the title.

Competing in the third tier for the first time, Hope outperformed several established Western Cape clubs, including Cape Town Spurs, who finished third in Stream A — 10 points behind the eventual champions. Traditional heavyweights Santos and Hanover Park also featured in the division.

Coach Dylan Dean has overseen the club’s rapid rise, with former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Clayton Daniels forming part of the technical team.

Hope have now secured their place in next month’s national provincial play-offs in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape, where promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship will be at stake.

Leading the charge has been captain Craig Martin, formerly of Orlando Pirates and Chippa United, while experienced striker Ruzaigh Gamildien added quality and leadership throughout the campaign.

Off the field, former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Keagan Buchanan has played a major role as chairman and CEO, helping shape Hope FC into one of the Western Cape’s most ambitious football projects.

Meanwhile, Inter City retained their ABC Motsepe League status after defeating Bayhill United in the relegation play-off thanks to goals from Dillon Lakay and Maurice Ables.