By: Khanyisani Dlomo

Cape Town All Stars coach, Dylan Deane has hailed his exciting youngsters after they showcased their potential in the SAFA/ABC Motsepe League national Play-Offs in Durban last week.

The Capetonians won three games and suffered just one defeat before beating fellow National First Division (NFD) promoted side Highlands Park 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw on Sunday at King Zwelithini Stadium.

Dean believes his boys deserve the promotion but said they could have been more clinical on the break.

“All credit to my players- they were outstanding the entire season. I always told them hard work, team spirit, discipline- remain coachable and you will succeed,” Dean told JournalismIziko on Tuesday.

“I think we were excellent as we adopted a new style of play for the tournament but we could have been more lethal on counter attacks. Some decision-making let us down.”

The Stars join Santos, Milano United, Vasco Da Gama and FC Cape Town as the Western Cape representatives, thus making it the most represented province in the first division.

Dean, Former Santos Assistant Coach, understands the daunting task his team will encounter in the NFD but remains sanguine that the performance his youngsters displayed will boast his squad to ensure they continue with momentum.

“When you create a positive attitude and a winning mentality, consistency is achieved. They understand that it all starts in training with a winning mentality, with hard work in everything we do and we hope we can carry this approach forward.

“The confidence I have in them translates into their performances and players with confidence will always be motivated.

“We will first be analysing our squad like we have done the entire season where we have identified areas to strengthen. We will require additional players- some with experience of the highest leagues and some with talent that needs to gain experience.”

The former Santos Assistant Coach revealed that preparations for the next season will soon be underway.

“We have a tough task ahead, however the second division play-offs basically act as pre-season for our existing players and any other additions will be assessed by our conditioning team.

“We would like to get a training camp which will form part of our periodization planning, but we will also be having a number of friendlies to assess players and there conditioning and I we will be ready come the first game.”