The upcoming PSL season in Cape Town promises to be an exciting one, with three clubs participating in the top flight – Cape Town Spurs, Cape Town City Football Club, and Stellenbosch FC. The resurgence of local football prowess can be attributed to legendary players like Ismail ‘Miley’ Abass, whose impact on the game is still felt today.
The Golden Era of Cape Town Football
Ismail ‘Miley’ Abass recently passed away but remains a key figure in the golden era of Cape Town football. Miley, together with his brother Seraj ‘Kosie’ Abass, drew in massive crowds of 36,000 to Athlone Stadium on Monday nights during the 1970s when they played for Cape Town Spurs. While Seraj was a solid defender, Miley, nicknamed ‘Earthquake,’ was known for his powerful runs and thunderous goals.
The Roots of Cape Town Spurs Success
Miley and Seraj’s success with Cape Town Spurs can be traced back to the Salt River suburb, a hub of local football talent. The area was home to multiple clubs, including Blackpool, Lillies, Woodsides, Squares, and Junction Rovers. Even current Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis spent her early years playing football in the streets of Salt River.
A Call Back to the Past
Seraj believes that football has become too technical, with coaches stifling players’ natural abilities. He suggests that South African football should take inspiration from the 1996 Bafana Bafana side that won the African Cup of Nations, combining physical prowess with skill and precise finishing.
The Connection Between Past and Present
Cape Town Spurs’ appointment of Shaun Bartlett as manager exemplifies the connection between past and present. Bartlett, a former South African international and English Premier League player, is known for his modest demeanor off the pitch and for his ruthless goal-scoring ability on it. Like Miley Abass, Bartlett has the power to draw crowds and inspire a new generation of players.
The Abass Family Legacy
Miley’s grandson, Mikaeel ‘Spike’ Abass, is already a promising young player representing Salt River Blackpool’s under-18 team at just 16 years old. Miley’s life off the pitch was equally impactful, as he served his community as chair of the Tennyson Street Mosque and Daroel Ielm Institute in Salt River for many years.
A Thrilling New Chapter in Cape Town’s Sporting History
With the return of Cape Town Spurs to the top tier of South African football, the stage is set for a thrilling new chapter in the city’s sporting history. The legacy of players like Ismail ‘Miley’ Abass serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when talent, passion, and skill come together on the field.
The Spirit of Miley Abass Lives On
As Cape Town eagerly anticipates the upcoming PSL season, it’s clear that the spirit of Miley Abass lives on in the hearts and minds of fans and players alike. The city’s football scene has never been more exciting, and the future looks bright for the clubs and their devoted supporters.
