Kaapstad Hornets

Noordryksevoetbalklub Kaapstad Hornets (Cape Town Hornets Nordreich Football Club) association football (soccer) club in Nordreich Liga was formed on September 21, 2009. The squad is "owned" by the Staatsregeringministrie vir Sport en Atletiese van Transvaal and managed by Bartnel Botha, the current Minister for Sport & Athletics in Transvaal.

The Hornets play all their home matches at Greenpoint Stadium (capacity 56,000) in Cape Town.

During Season I and Season II, their kit colours were yellow and black with white trim - with sweaters which were yellow with a black diagonal stripe and white trim. On March 23, 2010, new long-sleeve sweaters with horizontal yellow and black stripes were adopted for Season III. Shorts are black with yellow trim.

The club sponsor - like all Transvaler teams - is Soundic Radio of Sweden.

The Hornets' expansion roster included former Transvaal Springboks forward great Ricardo van Deinsen along with midfielder Dakarai Baako and goalkeeper Tafadzwa Masamba from Transvaal's UCFA Champions League squads - although Masamba departed after less than two months. In later seasons, the Hornets would see former Transvaal Springboks players Dingiswayo Ngwane and Hendrik van Schou sign with the club.

NVK Kaapstad Hornets played its first match, a 5-1 win, at Greenpoint Stadium in a friendly against The Scimitars on September 30, 2009; midfielder Regillio Sewnath scored the club's first-ever goal 15 minutes into the first-half.

The club's first league match was on October 7, 2009 when they were shutout 2-0 at home by Nordenstorm United. Three days later the club defeated The Scimitars by the score of 3-0 in the opening round of the Nordreich Cup with midfielder Izmir Jejaz scoring the first official competitive goal in the 26th minute of the match. Four days later the two clubs squared off again in league play and forward Bernie Forbes scored the Hornets' first league goal in the 8th minute on a header cross from fullback Eugene Tchami.

The squad's roster witnessed numerous changes made during the debut campaign and only 7 original players would last with the club throughout the entire season: goalkeeper Oskar Dietze, fullbacks Pius Tsheuma Songo’o, Anthony Davids, and Nbeko Sokoto, midfielders Dakarai Baako and Dean Hankers, and forward Ricardo van Deinsen.

By the start of Season V, only three players remained from the original expansion roster: goalkeeper Oskar Dietze, fullback Anthony Davids, and midfielder Dakarai Baako. Ricardo van Deinsen retired at the conclusion of Season IV while captain Dean Hankers was released prior to the start of Season V. Baako and Davids would depart the club due to retirement during the course of Season V - both playing in their final match on January 5, 2011 - leaving Dietze as the lone player from the original roster.

The club played its first three seasons in Liga 1 but were demoted to Liga 2 for Season IV.

Career Statistics
Includes regular season and cup matches; * indicates player retired with club

Active players

 * Oscar Dietze – goalkeeper; wears #1 jersey and has played with the team since Season I. After the departure of Dakarai Baako on January 19, 2011, Dietze become the sole remaining player from the club's original expansion roster.

Former players

 * Ricardo van Deinsen - forward; wore jersey #10 and played from Season I until Season IV when he retired at the age of 35. Prior to coming out of retirement to sign with Kaapstad, he played in Liga Mundo for Transvaal Springboks from Season 1 through Season 5 and lead the club to the championship in his final season. He played a career total of 128 matches over 8 seasons in Liga Mundo and Nordreich Liga. At the time of his departure from the Hornets, he lead the club in career goals scored with 25 and was second in career points with 33. He played his final match on October 17, 2010 and officially retired exactly one month later.
 * Dean Hankers - midfielder; wore jersey #23 and played from Season I until Season IV when he was released during the off-season. He was the team captain during his four seasons with the club. At the time of his departure, he was fourth in career games played (55), second in career assists (12), and tied for fourth in career points (15). His final match was played on November 7, 2010 against Nacional CF.
 * Anthony Davids - fullback; wore #2 jersey and played with the team from Season I until Season V. His best campaigns were in Season III and Season IV. He announced his retirement heading into Season V and saw his playing time diminish as he spent most of the season in the role of substitute - however he also took on the role of co-captain in his final season. He was released by the club on January 5, 2011 after playing in his final match earlier that day against Dorpat Lions. At the time of his departure, he was tied for fourth-place in career games played (56) and in second-place for X11 Team selections with 40.
 * Dakarai Baako – midfielder; wears #7 jersey and has played with the team since Season I. One of the first bonafide stars of Transvaler soccer, Baako began his playing career for Transvaal in the UCFA Champions League 1 in October 2007. After 24 matches played in the UCFA system, in January 2008 he left Transvaal and signed with domestic side Dempo Futebol Club of Glanj in PDSAR where he played a handful of matches. Involved through blackmail in a smuggling ring operating between PDSAR, Angola, and Transvaal, he claimed asylum in PDSAR until deported to Transvaal in February 2008. Baako was formally accused by the government of smuggling but charges later dropped. He then retired from soccer and went into national politics to redeem his name. Baako was elected to the post of African paramount chief from May to November 2008. Baako came out of retirement and resumed his playing career with Windhoek Welwitschia of the Vedder League in January 2009 but was released after just 1 match. He then signed with Transvaal Springboks of Liga Mundo but only lasted 3 games with the team, scoring one goal before he was let go in May 2009. He finally returned to his previous form when he signed with the Hornets in September of 2009. While older Transvaler fans still have fond memories of him starring in the UCFA, to the younger generation of fans Baako is only known for his playing exploits and leadership with the Hornets. To date, Baako is the only player to suit up for all three professional clubs in Transvaal as well as play in the four CNRP tournaments (UCFA, FIFOB Alliance Cup, Cup of Nations, and Transvaal World Cup) – a feat that can never be repeated. Baako retired during the middle of Season V; he played his final match on January 5, 2011 and was released by the club two weeks later.

Nordreich Liga Season I

 * EXPANSION ROSTER (September 21, 2008): Glen Autar, Dakarai Baako, Charly Braaf, Anthony Davids, Oskar Dietze, Dean Hankers, Etienne Hindenberg, Jimmy Horb, Benny Juliaans, Tafadzwa Masamba, Winston Plato, Kiran Reiziger, Regillio Sewnath, Dawson Silvin, Nbeko Sokoto, Pius Tsheuma Songo’o, Ricardo van Deinsen, and Chifarat Wouters.
 * ROSTER TRANSACTIONS: Eugene Tchami (junior prospect) signed on September 28, 2009; Harald Heidrich signed ($146,100) as free agent on September 30, 2009; Charly Braaf released September 30, 2009; Izmir Jejaz signed ($263,100) as free agent on October 1, 2009; Jimmy Horb and Kiran Reiziger released October 1, 2009; Mosely Nlend Wome (junior prospect) signed on October 2, 2009; Otto Getzlaf signed ($300,000) as free agent on October 4, 2009; Glen Autar released on October 7, 2009; Bernie Forbes signed ($238,100) as free agent on October 8, 2009; Winston Plato and Regillio Sewnath released October 15, 2009; Jaouad Nasser signed ($595,300) as free agent on October 18, 2009; Sipho Griekwa (junior prospect) signed on October 23, 2009; Etienne Hindenberg and Dawson Silvin released October 24, 2009; Gbeke Tshwonga signed ($299,100) as free agent on October 25, 2009; Ian Smith signed ($595,300) as free agent on October 27, 2009; Tafadzwa Masamba released November 8, 2009; Desmond Nghaamwa (junior prospect) signed on November 8, 2009; Chifarat Wouters sold for $770,371 on November 11, 2009; Benny Juliaans sold for $924,000 on November 19, 2009; Dingiswayo Ngwane signed ($2,581,000) as free agent on November 19, 2009; Ernest Ebede (junior prospect) signed on November 22, 2009

Nordreich Liga Season II

 * ROSTER TRANSACTIONS: Harald Heidrich released January 10, 2010; Tusker Doumbé (junior prospect) signed on January 10, 2010; Jaouad Nasser sold for $747,348 on January 13, 2010; John Reynolds signed ($149,600) as free agent on January 14, 2010; Mosely Nlend Wome sold for $154,476 on January 17, 2010; Sturton Le Steeple (junior prospect) signed on January 17, 2010; Sturton Le Steeple released January 26, 2010; Ralf Handke signed ($595,300) as free agent on January 27, 2010; Nbeko Sokoto released February 24, 2010; Benin Ndiako (junior prospect) signed on February 24, 2010

Nordreich Liga Season III

 * ROSTER TRANSACTIONS: Izmir Jejaz released March 24, 2010; Stanley Miesiedjan (junior prospect) signed on March 24, 2010; Otto Getzlaf sold for $2,016,000 on March 27, 2010; Wollo Schampa signed ($4,000,000) as free agent on March 29, 2010; John Reynolds sold for $100,380 on April 18, 2010; Omar Poerwonjoto (junior prospect) signed on April 18, 2010; Ian Smith released May 1, 2010; Einar Smarason acquired from Zemo City Avengers for $1,400,000 on May 1, 2010; Gbeke Tshwonga sold for $225,120 on May 14, 2010; Hendrik van Schou (junior prospect) signed on May 25, 2010; Omar Poerwonjoto sold for $420,000 on June 1, 2010; Mike Shields signed ($164,900) as free agent on June 12, 2010; Mike Shields sold for $322,100 on July 16, 2010; René-Solomon Kacha (junior prospect) signed on July 16, 2010; Pius Tsheuma Songo’o released August 8, 2010; Didier N’gok Songo’o (junior prospect) signed on August 8, 2010

Nordreich Liga Season IV

 * ROSTER TRANSACTIONS: René-Solomon Kacha released September 11, 2010; Noukeu Keita (junior prospect) signed on September 11, 2010; Ricardo van Deinsen retired on November 17, 2010

Nordreich Liga Season V

 * ROSTER TRANSACTIONS: Baxter Maye signed ($2,495,300) as free agent on November 17, 2010; Dean Hankers released November 18, 2010; Heinrich Heinz (junior prospect) signed on November 18, 2010; Einar Smarason sold for $322,100 on November 21, 2010; Lorenzo Wiebolt signed ($2,058,100) as free agent on November 30, 2010; Anthony Davids released January 5, 2011; Bay Carter (junior prospect) signed on January 5, 2011; Dakarai Baako released January 19, 2011

Nordreich Liga Season I
SEPTEMBER 26, 2009 - Transvaal gets third X11 club

Cape Town is home to Transvaal’s newest X11 club as NVK Kaapstad Hornets joins the newly-formed Nordreich Liga. The new club is managed by Bartnel Botha, who also handles operations for the Transvaal Springboks in Liga Mundo and Windhoek Welwitschia of the Vedder League.

On the pitch, the Kaapstad Noordryksevoetbalklub (NVK) will be lead by a trio of familiar faces famous in Transvaler football:

Ricardo van Deisen previously played five seasons in Liga Mundo. One of the greatest forwards to play for Transvaal, Van Deisen retired after the Transvaal Springboks won the Liga Mundo championship in Liga Mundo Season 5 and as the club’s all-time leading scorer. However, when he heard about Mr. Botha’s newest venture to establish the Nordreich Liga, Van Deisen allowed himself to be coaxed out of retirement to help out his old boss.

Dakarai Baako led Transvaal in the UCFA Champions League tournaments but failed to catch on with either Transvaal Springboks or Windhoek Welwitschia. He is now attempting a comeback with Kaapstad and this time around it looks like he will stick as the speedster is currently top of the depth chart on the Hornet's midfield line.

Also from the old UCFA Champions League Springboks squads is goalie legend Tafadzwa Masamba in net. It has been some time since “Taffy” has suited up but is expected to regain his old prowess between posts. One of his duties will be to help train future keepers for the Hornets such as newcomer Oskar Dietze.

The Hornets have two pre-season friendlies scheduled before the season commences. On Wednesday they host The Scimitars and then travel to Nordenstrom United the following Saturday.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 - Exhibition matches this week

On Wednesday, Nordreich Liga action kicks off when The Scimitars travel to Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town to take on the NVK Kaapstad Hornets in an exhibition match.

While the Hornets have been unsuccessful in acquiring a much needed freekicker off the transfer marker, Manager Homer has had The Scimitars hard at work with player training to prepare for the upcoming match.

Both squads feature fairly decent defensive lines but the Hornets hold an edge in goalkeeping while The Scimitars have a slight edge in the attack. Neither squad looks particularly strong for midfield depth although speedster Dakarai Baako will be key for the Hornets while Alladin Abdul-Sami is the offensive go-to man for The Scimitars.

On Saturday, the Hornets travel to Johann Schmidt Stadium to meet Nordenstorm United in another exhibition tilt. The regular league and Nordreich Cup schedules will be announced on Saturday, October 2nd with play expected to get underway the following Wednesday.

OCTOBER 18, 2009 - Recent signings

During the past three weeks of October, NVK Kaapstad has continued to re-tool their roster with player cuts and signings.

“We were dealt a pretty awful squad during the league expansion draft in September” commented Manager Bartnel Botha, “so it is going to take some time to get this club to anywhere we need to be to become competitive. We could have taken the road which Nordenstrom and Northern Reich have gone with picking up talented veterans in the twilight of their careers, however I’ve always been more focused on building for the future as I wouldn’t want to go through all this again in a few seasons as players started to retire.”

“We acquired two quality juniors from our youth programme, Eugene Tchami and Mosely Nlend Wome. While Wome is more of a project player that will require around three seasons to get into starter shape, Tchami automatically walked on as third or fourth in our defensive depth. To find a junior player that good is a lucky break.”

Recent acquisitions include Jaouad Nasser, Bernie Forbes, and Otto Getzlaf. Nasser is a likely a stopgap player for our weak midfield while the two others are most probably long-term keepers on the roster. Manager Botha did not rule out further changes. “We need to do something to address our impotent offense. Apart from Van Deinsen, we have no one who can provide regular points although Forbes has been performing far above expectations.”

OCTOBER 31, 2009 - Hornets bow out of Nordreich Cup

Despite outplaying Northern Reich for ball possession and bombarding keeper Hillo Maalepp with 9 shots on net, NVK Kaapstad Hornets dropped a 2-1 decision at Greenpoint Stadium and were knocked out of the Nordreich Cup. The match was a repeat result of Northern Reich’s first win in the semi-final round.

Anton Kruuv and Arved Lokko scored for the visitors while Ricardo van Deinsen potted home the lone goal for the Hornets. Goalkeeper Tafadzwa Masamba was lost early to a major injury and a cold Oskar Dietze was unable to deal with Northern Reich’s few offensive chances, allowing in 2 of their 3 attempts. At the other end of the pitch, Reich’s keeper Hillo Maalepp was a wall against the Hornets’ attackers and accumulated an 89% average on saves.

Kaapstad dominated the X11 squad for the second round of cup ties with five player selections however Reich manger St6mm walked away with the manager honours for his impressive performance to advance to the finals despite the apparent odds in today’s match.

The Nordreich Cup finals will feature high-flying Nordenstrom United versus Northern Reich. The first match will take place next Saturday with the final leg on November 14.

NOVEMBER 8, 2009 - Hornets sign Namibian forward prospect

Kaapstad Hornets made a couple of unexpected roster changes this morning when injured veteran goalkeeper Tafadzwa Masamba was released so that Manager Bartnel Botha could sign promising junior prospect Desmond Nghaamwa.

“We lost Masamba to a nasty injury in our last cup match against Northern Reich and he would be out for our next four or five matches. While I would have kept him on, when Desmond Nghaamwa suddenly came on our scouting radar, he was just too good to pass up on despite us having a real glut of young forward prospects.”

“In the past month we have been most fortunate in acquiring two junior youngsters who will potentially evolve into quality players in two or three seasons. Last month we signed chippy speedster Sipho Griekwa, who we are grooming to take over freekicking duties when Izmir Jejaz is not available, and now comes Desmond, who hails from Namibia and very fast and adept at heading the ball. Combine these two with Harald Heidrich and Bernie Forbes acquired off the transfer wire and we now have the core future of attack for the next 10 or so seasons.”

NOVEMBER 19, 2009 - Hornets sign Ngwane from Springboks

Kaapstad Hornets boosted their defense today by acquiring 19-year-old Dingiswayo Ngwane from the Transvaal Springboks. While toiling as a prospect-in-training during two campaigns with the Springboks, Ngwane is expected to step in and make an immediate impact with the Hornets.

“I’m really looking forward to playing alongside Eugene Tchami, one of the hardest working young fullbacks in the whole Nordreich Liga” said an excited Ngwane.

The Zulu youth will bring a booming shot and calming, steady demeanor to the Hornets’ fullback corps. With Kaapstad generally weak up front, the league’s strongest defense will need to carry the rest of the squad most match days and, as he told the press today, Dingiswayo Ngwane “relishes the prospects of becoming a leading player both on this team and in the Nordreich Liga.”

NOVEMBER 29, 2009 - Hornets advance to Baron Zemo Cup final

Kaapstad Hornets handily defeated FC Noordrijk to advance to the Baron Zemo Open Cup finals. Nordreich Cup champions Nordenstrom United also advanced to the finals with a 4-0 drubbing of league leaders Scottoria FC. The Hornets now find themselves in the position of definite underdogs against a squad they have yet to walk away with a victory against Nordenstrom.

The match was much closer on the scoreboard than what it appeared on the pitch as NVK Kaapstad fielded a hodge-podge squad consisting of veterans and prospects. Sipho Griekwa gave the Hornets an early lead with his breakaway goal just two minutes into the match but it took the favourites another 74 minutes to bag their second tally when former Transvaal Springboks legend Ricardo van Deinsen headed the ball past a dazed Noordijk keeper Eric Hoekstra from a dangerous Eugene Tchami corner kick.

Kaapstad then scored their third goal when Hoekstra was beat yet again on a cornerkick set-play in the 82nd minute when Tchami connected the ball to Van Deinsen, who then deftly fed a waiting Izmir Jejaz to tap in. Otto Getzlaf assisted on the opening goal by Griekwa.

At the other end of the field, Hornets keeper Oskar Dietze faced just 3 shots while his opposite Hoekstra was 50% on saves from Kaapstad’s six attempts.

Nordenstrom United and NVK Kaapstad Hornets will faceoff on December 5 in what most observers are predicting to be a Nordenstrom walk-over with the Hornets outclassed for talent in all positions except defense – in which the Transvalers hold a distinct advantage despite their high goals-allowed during league play. The Hornets also dominate in player form across the board in the entire league and that will be critical if they are to have any chance breaking down the Nordreich Cup champions.

DECEMBER 2, 2009 - Overconfident Hornets choke to Noordrijk

An overconfident Kaapstad squad struggled today against FC Noordrijk, dropping a surprise 2-1 decision at Greenpoint Stadium. As Manager Botha explained after the final whistle, “two things went wrong for us today: First, we completely underestimated Noordrijk and overestimated our ability going into the match. We expected them to roll over and not put up a fight - so a squad utilising quite a few second-stringers and prospects was field. And secondly, unfortuanetly we saw very poor form throughout and crashed out in the second half. Our goalkeeping was abysmal. It was simply one of the worst outings by us all season long.”

DECEMBER 5, 2009 - Baron Zemo Cup remains in Nordenstrom

Despite almost an hour of play with an advantage in numbers, NVK Kaapstad Hornets were unable to pull off an upset comeback to defeat favourites Nordenstrom United for the Baron Zemo Open Cup.

“We played our hearts out with one of our best line-ups and efforts to date, but we simply could not get the ball past their keeper Hélio Ferraz” commented an exasperated Manager Bartnel Botha.

Nordenstrom took an early 2 goal lead after beating Hornets goalkeeper Oskar Dietze first on a penalty shot and then nine minutes later on a corner set-play. They then ran into some serious trouble when their lone forward in their 5-4-1 fromation, Herman Ólafsson, received a red card and was sent off in the 36th minute. Prospect forward Desmond Nghaamwa got the Hornets on the scorecard just minutes into the second half when Dakarai Baako set him up for a breakaway one-on-one to beat Ferraz. But Kaapstad were unable to find the equalizer despite outplaying Nordenstrom for the remainder of the match.

“I knew we would be in hard against them, going into the match, but when they saw their red card from Referee Laura Norder, we really needed to exploit opportunities like that and make the most of them – which we failed to capitalise on.”

With the two cup runs over for the season, the league and its teams can start to focus on the final five weeks and the horserace which has unfolded in the standings.

A single goal is all that separates Nordenstorm United and Scottoria from first place, with Northern Reich tied for points (19) with Nordenstrom and Scottoria despite not registering any league losses yet but stuck in third place on account of its greater number of draws. Kaapstad Hornets are close behind in fourth place with 16 points but a bungled loss at home this week versus FC Noordrijk has probably destroyed any hopes of stealing the championship.

Looking at ahead at the remaining schedule, two big money matches remain: the December 16 meeting between Nordenstrom United and Scottoria which will be critical in breaking the deadlock between the two leading sides, and the December 26 tilt between Northern Reich and the Hornets in which the visiting Hornets need the three points if they are to have any remote chance of moving up the table and finish better than fourth place.

Nordreich Liga Season II
JANUARY 10, 2010 - Hornets strengthen in goal

Manager Bartnel Botha released forward Harald Heidrich today to make room for goalkeeper prospect Tusker Doumbé, stating that “a quality keeper like Tusker is a rare find and we would be fools not to sign him.”

Heidrich was Kaapstad’s first-ever free-agent signing but club expectations of him deflated after his less than impressive progress report yesterday.

“We thought he would have increased noticeably in skill during the off-season but he failed to live up to my expectations. We already have a glut of young forwards all looking for playing time now in the shorter season, so he became expendable.”

When asked if the Hornets had any further roster changes in store, Manager Botha replied that “after last season’s merry-go-round with 31 players signed at some point and using 27 players, I am planning to consolidate more this season and pretty much stick with who we have now.”

“It’s possible the injury-prone Jaouad Nasser may be moved, as I currently have him listed on the transfer wires, but apart from him I like the squad we have. Nasser was simply brought in as a short-term stop-gap measure so the fact we are trying to move him now should be no surprise.”

JANUARY 15, 2010 - More changes in goal

After going on record that the Hornets roster was set for the season, Manager Bartnel Botha pulled off a sudden and unexpected acquision when he signed John Reynolds as Kaapstad’s fourth goalkeeper. The logjam in net won’t last for too long however as Mosely Nlend Wome is on his way out after the club recived an offer for him on the transfer wire. He is expected to depart on this Sunday.

Wome played 8 matches last season for Kaapstad Hornets, pulling off an impressive 77% save average albeit against weaker teams – however after the promotion of the talented Tusker Doumbé last week from the junior squad, it appeared that Wome’s playing time would see a reduction.

While most clubs carry two keepers, the Hornets have generally used a three-man rotation so that high form compensated for deficiencies in talent in the Hornets very young netminding corps. John Reynolds was an opportune signing which all but consigned Wome to demand a transfer out of the club.

“Despite his age, Reynolds will bring a coolness and sense of leadership that Wome – or any of our other keepers – don’t have. Our goalkeepers as a group are very young and granted we do suffer some matches because of that, but give them two seasons to develop and we will have build a solid the foundation for the following five to seven seasons.”

JANUARY 29, 2010 - Hornets blank champions

Kaapstad Hornets bagged their first win of the regular season in style, shutting out Liga champions Scottoria FC 2-0 at Greenpoint Stadium. The solid victory propelled 4 Hornets on to the X11 Team for Week 3 and garnered Bartnel Botha the manager of the week honours for Liga 1.

“For some reason, we dominate Scottoria when we play in Cape Town” commented Manager Botha as the post-game media scrum. “I think today we simply wanted the win more than they did, they looked somewhat flat out there”.

Ian Smith opened the scoring for the Hornets in the 13th minute with a header off the set-play; captain Dean Hankers picked up the assist after Ralf Handke, making his debut with the club since being acquired a few days ago, deftly fed him the ball from his corner kick. Then in the second half, penalty kick point-man Dingiswayo Ngwane boomed the ball home past a dazed Trevor McAlinden.

While ball possession was almost split evenly between the teams, Kaapstad had 9 opportunities on net compared to just 4 for the defending champions. Scottoria did not see a shot on net until the second half after the Hornets had already had fours tries. Goalkeeper Oskar Dietze played impressively after a slow start this season and had a career match while Anthony Davids picked up his third X11 selection of the season, leading all fullbacks in the Liga.

FEBRUARY 24, 2010 - Liga' best defense just got stronger

NVK Kaapstad Hornets, who have the strongest defense in the entire Nordreich Liga, got even stronger today with the promotion of impressive 19-year-old junior prospect Benin Ndiako.

“We are extremely pleased with the signing of Ndiako. Our junior scout had originally informed us he was a 5-bar talent – but once we signed him, and actually got to see him suit up and run some practice trials with the senior squad, turns out he is actually a 6-bar player,” said an overjoyed Manager Bartnel Botha at today’s post-training media conference.

The signing of Ndiako meant that unproductive fullback Nbeko Sokoto was released by the club. Sokoto was one of seven original Hornets from their initial roster but had very little to show for after 18 matches with the club. It also means that Kaapstad now has two impressive, young freekickers in Benin Ndiako and midfielder Ralf Handke once Izmir Jejaz hangs up the boots.

“The troika of Ndiako, Ngwane, and Tchami will provide a formidable backbone for our defense for many, many future seasons” said Botha.

Nordreich Liga Season III
MARCH 22, 2010 - New sweaters for Hornets

Manager Bartnel Botha unveiled new sweaters for NVK Kaapstad Hornets this morning. Gone are the yellow short-sleeve jerseys with the black diagonal stripe, replaced with the new Killer Bees long-sleeve look.

“With most of the Nordreich Liga teams based in the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere, our players wanted something a little warmer. We also wanted to accentuate our nickname and what better way than to look like a bunch of bumblebees out on the field?” joked Manager Botha during the press conference.

The new look will debut tomorrow at Greenpoint Stadium when the Hornets host expansion team Nacional CF in a friendly.

MARCH 29, 2010 - Roster changes at Greenpoint Park

Kaapstad Hornets have been busy recently in the transfer market, signing veteran goalkeeper Wollo Schampa for a $4,000,000 contract while releasing midfielder Izmir Jejaz. With four goalkeepers currently onboard, John Reynolds is expected to get the cut after showing signs of only minimal improvement. And with the release of Jejaz, promising midfielder Stanley Miesiedjan was promoted from the junior squad.

“Reynolds we will keep floating on the transfer lists until a quality junior prospect comes along, at which time we will release him if he hasn't sold by then.”

With a group of very young keepers, the Hornets have struggled the past two seasons keeping their goals-against down despite possessing the best defensive corps in the Liga.

“Oskar Dietze and Tusker Doumbé will really benefit from having Wollo Schampa around to lend his expertise – and by the time the veteran keeper is really to retire or move on, Dietze and Doumbé will be in a much stronger position to resume their starting duties. We plan to go with Wollo as our starter while taking a more nutured developmental attitude with Oskar and Tusker – who admittedly have been thrown to the wolves the past two seasons.”

While the defense is set in stone and there appears to be little movement planned for the attacking line, fortifying the midfield now becomes Manager Botha’s priority.

“With the style and system we play, our midfielders were suffering a lot last season from fatigue – so we will probably look to bring onboard someone in their mid- to late-20s to fill the gap which has been open since we sold Jaouad Nasser last season. Promoting Miesiedjan will definitely help in the fitness aspect, but we still need a more experienced presence apart from Hankers and Baako – as they cannot do everything. Most games Baako is finding himself being shadowed pretty closely so we need to create more distractions to free him up.”

APRIL 26, 2010 - “An ugly win but we’ll take it”

Despite being down a midfielder for an hour, a short-manned Kaapstad Hornets managed to battle back from a 2-1 deficit to steal victory from the jaws of defeat in an impressive 4-2 win against a largely lacklustre Scottoria FC.

“The win was quite a surprise as all matches against Scottoria FC are tough. We entered the game missing our two best midfielders (Baako and Hankers) and then lost Gbeke Tshwonga to a red card after just thirty minutes. So we were down to two midfielders. However, our defence held fast and combined nicely with our attack to scrape ourselves back into the game.

All four of Kaapstad’s goals came from up-and-coming prospect players. Two goals from Benin Ndiako and his dangerous set-play free-kicks to beat Scottoria keeper Rusty Meredith and two goals from speedy forward Desmond Nghaamwa, set up by veterans Darakai Baako and Ricardo van Deinsen.

Despite the tenacious effort, Manager Botha was his usual cautious self during the post-game media conference:

“Today was our best result this season, but truth is our midfield is looking atrocious right now from injuries, suspensions, and overall poor form and we are still struggling n net, none of our keepers have played anywhere close to their full potential this season” said Manager Botha, although his observation omitted an impressive, career outing by third keeper Tusker Doumbé in the season opener which garnered him his first-ever X11 spot – generally a rare occurrence for goalkeepers not named Hillo Maakepp.

“On the plus side, our vaunted defense is performing at 120% effort this season.”

MAY 1, 2010 - Avenger now a Hornet

Zemo City Avengers and NVK Kaapstad Hornets completed the Nordreich Liga’s first intra-league transfer today with 26-year-old forward Einar Smarason sold to the Hornets for $1,400,000.

Smarason played in 11 matches and scored 3 goals for the Nordenstrom club over the duration of two and a half seasons and is now expected to step in and make an immediate impact with the Hornets after Ian Smith was released earlier in the day.

“While we lose some of the toughness that Ian Smith brought, with Smarason we now get some youth combined with extra speed and a bolstering of our set-play squad” explained Manager Botha.

AUGUST 7, 2010 - After Songo’o… another Songo’o

Veteran fullback Pius Tsheuma Songo’o – who suffered a major injury in Kaapstad Hornet’s last match which will see him miss almost the remainder of this season – has agreed with club management to retire so that his nephew Didier N’gok Songo’o can be promoted from the junior team to take his place.

The elder Songo’o played 34 matchs over three seasons with Kaapstad. The dependable but unremarkable fullback played mostly in a substitute role the last two seasons and provided mentoring to the Hornets’ three up-and-coming star African defenders, Tchami, Ngwane, and Ndiako. He scored 2 goals and 6 assists during his career - with his 2 goals coming only this season.

His 17-year-old nephew Didier, like him, hails from the Republic of Congo-Brazzaville and is eager to step into his uncle’s shoes and have a long career in the Nordreich Liga with the Hornets.

“I am really looking forward to playing alongside Tchami, Ngwame, and Ndiako – those guys are idols to many of us young players in Africa.”

Nordreich Liga Season IV
SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 - Dejected Hornets drop Liga 2 debut

After enduring the ignominy of being the first and so far only Liga 1 team to suffer relegation in the Nordreich Liga, NVK Kaapstad Hornets looked to make a big impression in their opening match in Liga 2 as Nordreich Liga Season IV commenced this morning. Unfortunately expansion side Keville Athletic had other plans and did not follow the script.

“Going into today’s match, Manager Botha had instructed us not to take them lightly – and ending up on the wrong side of a 3-2 game taught us all why our manager indeed respects the new kids on the block,” said a dejected midfield general Dakarai Baako. “In our pre-game preparations, we had been watching recent game-tape between Transvaal Springboks and Keville United in the hopes to anticipate how Athletic may play out.”

“I knew full well today that this would probably be our most important match of the season,” said Manager Bartnel Botha. “They have good off-field leadership and management and with the game played on the road, we had to come out strong. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish them off and I think we let up in injury time when some of our guys probably thought a draw would be a satisfactory result. This loss could well have ramifications for us at the end of the season.”

While the Hornet’s defense and midfield played outstanding (garnering 7 spots on the X11 Team) it was the same old story in net and up front: inconstant goalkeeping and uninspired play from the forwards glaringly reinforced by the fact that fullbacks set up the Hornet’s two goals – although Benin Ndiako was playing up on the midfield line.

OCTOBER 29, 2010 - Van Deinsen retires from pro soccer

Ricardo van Deinsen announced his retirement from professional soccer this past weekend. He played his final Nordreich Liga match for NVK Kaapstad Hornets on October 17, a 5-1 victory over C.S. Napoli in which Van Deinsen his 25th and final goal as a Hornet, a deft header just seconds before the half-time whistle.

Ricardo began his playing career with Transvaal Springboks of Liga Mundo in that league’s very first season as one of the club’s original signings. Wearing jersey #10, he played for five seasons and led the Springboks to their first Liga Mundo championship and became one of the club’s most prolific forwards and led the Springboks in scoring in Liga Mundo Season 3 and was routinely in the top five for team scoring most other seasons. He was named Forward of the Season by club management in Liga Mundo Season 5.

Soon after winning the Primera title, at the age of 30, he announced his retirement. At the time of his final match for Transvaal on June 8, 2009, he was second on the club in most matches played (84) and led the club in most career points (45) and most career goals (34).

Van Deinsen is also to date still the only Transvaal Springboks player to have played in all four positions on the field - including two victories in net as an emergency substitute goalkeeper in which he never conceded a goal.

Three months later, he would then come out of retirement when Bartnel Botha coaxed him to sign with the brand new NVK Kaapstad Hornets of the Nordreich Liga. During the course of four seasons with the Hornets, he increased his professional goal-scoring total to 59 and played a combined total of 128 matches in X11 soccer. His best seasons in Nordreich Liga were his first two campaigns as injuries began to take their toll on the veteran great by the time Nordreich Liga Season IV rolled around. Despite battling chronic injuries in Nordreich Liga Season III, he lead the club in scoring.

CAREER PLAYING RECORD
 * Transvaal Springboks (Liga Mundo): 84 GP, 34 G, 11 A, 45 PTS, 9 X11
 * NVK Kaapstad Hornets (Nordreich Liga): 44 GP, 25 G, 8 A, 33 PTS, 10 X11

NOVEMBER 17, 2010 - Awards dinner at Heia Safari Social Club

Noordryksevoetbalklub Kaapstad Hornets held its post-season awards ceremony and club dinner last night at the Heia Safari Social Club. The following awards were handed out by club management in recognition of player achievement during Nordreich Liga Season IV:


 * Player of the season Benin Ndiako
 * Goalkeeper of the season Wollo Schampa
 * Fullback of the season Benin Ndiako
 * Midfielder of the season Dakarai Baako
 * Forward of the season Ricardo van Deinsen
 * Prospect/Rookie of the season Noukeu Keita
 * Most Improved Player Benin Ndiako
 * Golden Boot award Benin Ndiako (8)
 * Assists Leaders Ralf Handke, Stanley Miesiedjan, & Dakarai Baako (4)
 * Points Leader Benin Ndiako (9)

In Nordreich Liga 2 merit awards, three Hornets received recognition:


 * Stanley Miesiedjan 3rd most assists (4 assists) in Season IV (Liga 2)
 * Benin Ndiako 1st most goals (8 goals), 2nd MVP (8 Xpert Elevens), and 3rd most points (9 points) in Season IV (Liga 2)
 * Eugene Tchami 3rd MVP (7 Xpert Elevens) in Season IV (Liga 2)

Nordreich Liga Season V
NOVEMBER 19, 2010 - Dakarai Baako to hang up his cleats

Manager Bartnel Botha confirmed today that midfielder and former UCFA Champions League great Dakarai Baako had given notice that he would retire at the conclusion of the upcoming Nordreich Liga Season V.

One of the first bonafide stars of Transvaler soccer, Baako began his playing career for Transvaal in the UCFA Champions League 1 in October 2007. After the UCFA competition folded in April 2008, he briefly signed with a domestic club in PDSAR and played a handful of matches there. He then retired from soccer and went into national politics and was elected to the post of African paramount chief from May to November 2008.

Baako came out of retirement and resumed his playing career with Windhoek Welwitschia of the Vedder League in January 2009 but was released after just 1 match. He then signed with Transvaal Springboks of Liga Mundo but only lasted 3 games with the team, scoring one goal before he was let go in May 2009.

He finally returned to his previous form when he signed with NVK Kaapstad Hornets in September of 2009. While older Transvaler fans still have fond memories of him starring in the UCFA, to the younger generation of fans Baako is only known for his playing exploits and leadership with the Hornets.

“Baako was fundamental in getting the Hornets off the ground” commented Manager Botha.

To date, Baako is the only player to suit up for all three professional clubs in Transvaal as well as play in the three CNRP tournaments (UCFA, FIFOB Alliance Cup, and Transvaal World Cup) – a feat that can never be repeated.

DECEMBER 2, 2010 - Hornets shake things up

Facing a return to Liga 1 in Nordreich Liga Season V, the retirement of Ricardo van Deinsen, and the subsequent announcements that key veterans Dakarai Baako and Anthony Davids would also be following Van Deinsen’s footsteps at the end of Season V, Manager Bartnel Botha did not wait long to begin the unenviable task of retooling the Kaapstad Hornets for the upcoming season.

The day following Van Deinsen’s official retirement, Dean Hankers – who had captained the Hornets since their debut – was released. Inside sources tell us that the aging Hankers had been edged out by strong performances and improvement during Season IV by Stanley Miesiedjan and phenom youngster Noukeu Keita. Along with Handke and Ebede thrown into the mix, and Hankers found himself too far down the depth chart for management to retain his services.

Another underperforming player who also soon got the boot was Einar Smarason – the former Zemo City signing who had been brought in a couple of seasons ago. With a bevy of freekickers and not enough playing time on the forward line, Smarason’s lacklustre production was deemed expendable. His transfer move earnt the club just over R1,000,000 from signing fees.

The Baako and Davids retirements then threw a wrench into the gears – as Nordreich Liga’s youngest team would be getting younger but needed to find some sort of veteran ability for their up-and-coming core. It was a new dilemma for Hornets, who had scorned pursuing veteran signings instead to build their future on prospects.

“Our problem was: who was going to lead all these kids?”

To solve that hurdle, Manager Botha then went looking for some players who could fill that role for the short term. “We needed a couple of vets in their late 20s who would be immediate starters and worthwhile retaining for a few seasons but could also contribute as well. That was why we did not keep Hankers, he had dropped below our starting midfield line – so he was not going to get any better.”

On the attack, Baxter Maye was brought on board to fill the spots opened up by Van Deinsen and Smarason while Lorenzo Wiebolt was signed on as Baako’s eventual replacement.

“Baxter Maye came to our attention from one of our scouts who recommended him while Wiebolt was someone we came across on the transfer wire. Even though we found out Wiebolt’s agent was overrating him, we put in a lowball offer just on the chance – and in a bit of good fortune for us, we ended up getting him. We have yet to see Maye play a full competitive game as a starter but he brings a lot of offensive play options to keep the opposing keeper guessing. Wiebolt has Baako’s speed and ability but adds a calming dimension to our midfield game with his coolness under pressure. He’d also make a good alternative for penalty spot kick duties when Dingiswayo Ngwane is out of the line up.”

DECEMBER 30, 2010 - Anthony Davids to retire against Dorpat

Kaapstad Hornets fullback Anthony Davids will play his final Nordreich Liga game next week against Dorpat Lions. Despite being named co-captain alongside Eugene Tchami, the 55-game veteran has only played in two matches this season and has been struggling to keep up his game shape to respectable form.

“My body has given up, it’s now time to hang up the cleats,” said the 35-year-old fullback. But before doing so, he will put them on for one more go against the Nordreich Liga champions.

“Manager Botha has asked me to start against Dorpat next week due to the suspension handed out yesterday to Dingiswayo Ngwame. After that, I’ll then make room for someone new.”

Player Merits

 * Dakarai Baako 1st most assists (8 assists) in Season I (Liga 1); 2nd most points (13 points) in Season I (Liga 1)
 * Ralf Handke 3rd most sending offs (1 red card) in Season III (Liga 1)
 * Stanley Miesiedjan 3rd most assists (4 assists) in Season IV (Liga 2)
 * Benin Ndiako 1st most goals (8 goals) in Season IV (Liga 2); 2nd MVP (8 Xpert Elevens) in Season IV (Liga 2); 3rd most points (9 points) in Season IV (Liga 2)
 * Eugene Tchami 1st most sending offs (2 red cards) in Season I (Liga 1); 3rd MVP (8 Xpert Elevens) in Season II (Liga 1); 3rd MVP (7 Xpert Elevens) in Season IV (Liga 2)

Youngest and oldest players

 * Youngest: (16) Heinrich Heinz was promoted from the junior squad, aged 16, prior to the start of Nordreich Liga Season V and is currently the youngest player on the team. Noukeu Keita (midfielder) joined the team, aged 16, as a junior prospect during Nordreich Liga Season IV.
 * Oldest: (35) Anthony Davids (fullback)

Captains

 * Nordreich Liga Season I - Dean Hankers (midfielder)
 * Nordreich Liga Season II - Dean Hankers (midfielder)
 * Nordreich Liga Season III - Dean Hankers (midfielder)
 * Nordreich Liga Season IV - Dean Hankers (midfielder)
 * Nordreich Liga Season V - Anthony Davids (fullback) & Eugene Tchami (fullback)

"Zero Heroes"
The following players were signed by the club as part of their expansion roster but never participated in a competitive match.