Raiders FC show they belong among the Hollywoodbets big boys
Tough introduction to a higher division tests Raiders’ depth and ambition.
Raiders FC’s ambition of being counted among the big names of the Hollywoodbets Regional League is beginning to take shape.
The club was the team to beat in the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association promotional league last season, and has carried that same performance into its campaign at the higher level.
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Coach Thuso Mthethwa made it clear early on that his team was not in the league to add numbers, but to compete for the big prize. He knows the step up will not be easy, especially given the calibre of opponents his side faces. “Hollywoodbets is very competitive,” said Mthethwa. “People here really know their stuff. Some of them have experience.”
His side learned this lesson early in their opening game against Gomtown Boyz FC, suffering a 3–0 defeat. Mthethwa attributed the loss to experience, noting that it made the difference. His players, new to the league, faced Gomtown, who finished second on the log last season. It was bound to be a difficult debut for Raiders.
Drawing from that experience, Mthethwa noted how unforgiving the regional league can be compared to the promotional league. “Here, you make one mistake and you get punished.”
Mthethwa said the squad has also been stretched by exams. Several Raiders players are in matric, and the club has given them time off to focus on their studies. To fill the gap, Mthethwa said he has been recruiting. “We have tried to look for other players,” said Mthethwa. “We got beefed up. We are just waiting for the finalisation of the paperwork.” He expects the full squad to be available soon.
Also read: Raiders FC claim first league win at Alex Safe Hub
Raiders showed their potential on September 26, with a 2–1 victory over Loyo Stars. Striker Wandile Mthethwa, one of the team’s leading scorers, put Raiders ahead in the first half and completed his brace in the second.
The win was a major confidence boost and a statement of intent from the newcomers. “They really played well,” Mthethwa said. “They kept the shape. They kept it compact. We understand that this is one of the best teams in the yellow stream.”
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