Oh when the Sig, oh when the Sig, oh when the Sig goes marching in
Losing Walt Crossland unexpectedly late in 2016 was a huge shock and the thought of having to screen potential coaches for the 2017 season was not something we were looking forward to.
Before Walt’s departure for the UK we met for lunch and he proposed that we approach Gerald Stober to be our new Head Coach. We met with Gerald late 2016 and were suitably impressed.
Then the ‘hard’ work began, convincing Gerald that Bothasig FC would be the Club that would meet the objectives he had set for his next coaching position.
The 2017 season began and due to the condition of our fields many fixtures were played away. At Gerald’s request the Executive met with him at regular intervals to discuss progress.
I recall one of those early meetings when we were in the relegation zone, can’t remember the exact detail but played 7, lost 5, 1 x win and 1 x draw = 4 points out of a possible 21. Panic!!
Gerald assured us that this would not be the case and he certainly kept his word. How things changed!! Excluding the Chelsea fixtures(withdrew from the league) the team truly turned things around…………………….. played 17, drew 2 and won 15.
To Gerald, thank you for your no fuss, tranquil and approachable nature, certainly made my season easy. Let’s not forget your talent as a coach.
Just need to mention that this is not my description of the ‘technical area’ Gerald 😊.
To Shane, many thanks for your assistance with the squad and your assistance to the Club, it is much appreciated.
To Keegan, thank you for your coaching contribution during the 2017 season
To the players, thank you all so much for the hard work you put in this season. In one of our meetings with Gerald early in the season he mentioned that promotion was defiantly on your agenda and as a team you certainly reached your goal.
On a personal note,
EB, our Captain, you are like the Wall of China, not much goes thru you!
Warren, very quiet but boy oh boy we can certainly miss you when you are not there.
Rory, thanks for the saves, some really spectacular and the entertainment. Never fail to bring a smile to my face
Bevan, for your dedication plus the unexpected goal or two.
Clayton, well all I can remember is your goal on Saturday!! Not true Clayton. Always a gentleman on and off the field.
Musi, what a talented footballer and you certainly pulled the rabbit out of the hat on numerous occasions when we really needed it.
Yusriek, so quiet but those passes, quality!!
Robyn, your versatility and dedication does not go unnoticed.
Lorenzo aka Reggie, those goals, spectacular.
Damian, the Duracell man. Your energy and determination is always a pleasure to watch. You genuinely just never give up.
Riley, our silent assassin, beautiful left foot
Isma,eel aka Illy, when you are on top form you certainly hit the target, over and over again. Hope your knee is healing and you are well on your way to recovery.
Evan, thanks for choosing us when you returned to SA and then you just fit in doing what you have always done and doing it well.
Daniel, for working like a trojan and not complaining.
Thank you, I sincerely hope to see you all back at the Sig in the 2018 season and taking on some of our old rivals in the Premier Div. with the same determination that you tackled the 2017 season.
On behalf of the Club Committee and our members, we salute you.
Before I sign off I would like to share a message received from Walt
“Hi Glenda, congrats on promotion back to the Premier League – where the Sig belongs! Super chuffed for the Sig family! Please send all my regards and congrats to everyone!”
Regards
CHAIRPERSON: BOTHASIG AFC