Panorama Ladies reach last eight of Engen Knockout Challenge for first time ever

Panorama Football Club’s ladies entered uncharted territory at their 2023 Engen Knockout adventure, which took place from July 7 to 9.

The weekend got off to a rocky start when they were thoroughly beaten by eventual semi-finalists Mamelodi Sundowns, 6–1. A 3–1 win against Norkem Park in their second fixture set up a deciding against Recycle Drive Bantwana Ladies Football Club. The Bantwana ladies also got hammered 9–0 by Sundowns but could only get a draw against Norkem Park, giving Panorama the edge going into their final group game.

When the group stage draw was done earlier in the week, both teams would have already earmarked the fixture as a potential do-or-die clash. Players would have risen early in anticipation and it was Panorama who started fresher, taking the lead within the first five minutes.

The nerves were settled and Panorama moved the ball freely but Bantwana kept the defence on their toes. Bantwana’s best moments came on the break but other than finding space to penetrate the left side of Panorama’s defence, the Radiokop team held resolute. Panorama played a high defensive line and caught Bantwana offside on regular occasions but flirted with danger repeatedly from set pieces.

Bantwana created several half chances that went begging and with one of their last rolls of the dice could well have had a penalty. Needing two goals to reach the quarterfinals, they threw everything at Panorama but lacked the cutting edge as the clock ticked down to break their hearts and propel Panorama ladies into their first Engen Knockout quarter-finals.

Drawn against the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in the last eight, Panorama’s fairytale ended abruptly as they were beaten 6–0 by the defending champions. In the semi-finals, Sundowns, who had scored 25 goals in their previous four games, were uncharacteristically goal-shy as a 0–0 draw against JVW Girls Football Club, from Bedfordview, went to penalties, which JVW won 5–4. In the other semi, UJ beat Tuks 5–0 before ending the tournament as victors again, beating JWV 1–0.

Panorama coach Malcolm Materra took over two months ago and stated the most important objective was that they went to the tournament to be competitive.

“Our mandate was to get to the quarter-finals and we succeeded in that which will leave the club in good standing for next year. We aim to continue to promote women’s football and ensure it reaches great heights,” he said, who had the team for just four hours a week in preparation.

Bantwana’s coach Theo Buttress vowed an improvement in 2024, saying, “I believe we got a raw deal when a blatant penalty call did not go our way. We had at least three opportunities to score but due to the inexperience of our young players, they succumbed to the pressure and weren’t clinical enough in front of goals. Our young outfit ended off very strong by beating German International Academy 5–0, to ensure that we didn’t end last. We’ll be back next year and will be better prepared. Watch out for us.”