Greyton Roses FC news: Progress evident despite narrow loss to Standards

The Greyton Roses' season started in earnest in the second half of a narrow 2-1 defeat to Standards FC at the Caledon Sports Complex on Saturday.

In the end, it took two first half-goals and a rollicking from head coach Jeff Oliver at half-time for the team to play to their potential in a thrilling final 45 minutes where striker Fabian Steyn netted his second goal in his first start for the team this season.

Sports News Blitz, the Roses’ primary sponsor, sat down with manager Trevor Kramer after the game to discuss the result and what it means going forward.

Team moving in the right direction

“In our first campaign, in the SAFA Overberg Knuckles Third Division, the belief was always there that no matter how many goals the opposition scored, we could always score more”, Kramer told Sports News Blitz.

“We started the 2022/23 season by hammering Mountain Birds 5-0 and we didn't look back until we secured promotion.

“Our first time playing in the Hollywoodbets Regional League was a wake-up call for the players. We were disappointed to lose so many games but always knew we wouldn’t be relegated.”

Kramer continued: “This season though, the belief has been lacking and sometimes we play as if we are expecting the other team to score.

“But there was a real change in attitude in the second half on Saturday. Although we didn’t manage to pick up any points, it was an eye opener to the players as to how well they can really compete at this level.

“For perspective, last season we lost 9-0 and 5-2 to Standards!”

Poor first half hurts Greyton

Lukholo Gompoza had opened the scoring for the Cape Town club after 20 minutes with a towering back-post header that cannoned in off the crossbar.

Roses' heads dropped momentarily to allow Angelo Wembe to add a second, from the edge of the area following a quick counter-attack, just five minutes later.

It was, however, by no means a one-sided opening period as Steyn got on the end of a superb opportunity to reduce the deficit, only to see his shot saved at the near post.

Thabiso Mangana was also close with a 40th-minute free-kick that flew just past the top left corner and a low drive minutes later that was well saved by Standards goalkeeper Liam Heever.

Improved second-half showing

It was a far more dominant Roses side that emerged for the second half after some much-needed words of encouragement to lift the belief of the young team.

The Roses players maintained a high tempo for the rest of the tie, with chances largely created from the wide areas as crosses from Edward Chikufenji and substitute Kiaan Louw peppered the Standards defence.

Steyn ultimately found his goal with a superb volley as the ball dropped to him on the bounce from a through pass by attacking midfielder Francisco Kandiado. This was after centre-back Alfred Kinkadi had expertly won back possession and brought the ball out of defence.

The Roses goalscorer was agonisingly close to netting a second goal with a late shot that he sliced just wide of the left upright as the Standards goalkeeper raced off his line.

Kandiado then stung the palms of the home stopper with a drilled effort from 30 yards out that dropped on to the goal-line.

Despite the loss, the team were in good spirits after the game as they recognised the difference in performance from both halves. Next up is a tough test against another Cape side, Bayview Overberg, this weekend.

READ MORE: Manchester United and Jose Mourinho reunited in the Europa League