Newly-promoted Hollywoodbets Super League side, Vasco da Gama, has parted ways with coach Ashraf Calvert – just seven games into the 2022 season.
This comes after they lost 1-0 to Durban Ladies FC on Sunday (29 May 2022) – their fifth loss of the campaign.
Calvert joined the club at the beginning of the 2021 season, and masterminded the Cape Town outfit’s rise to the elite women’s football league in South Africa.
He led them provincial success and ensured they gained promotion when they defeated City Lads Ladies in the final of the Sasol League National League Champs in Durban.
“Obviously I am very disappointed to be leaving the club, felt like there was still more to do but the decision has been made so I have to move and can only wish them the best of luck going forward,” said a gutted Calvert.
Vasco are 13th on the league table with two wins and five losses – leaving them with six points, five above the bottom trio of Tsunami Queens, City Lads and Golden Ladies.
“I still believe it was early days to take such a drastic decision, but it is what is,” added Calvert.
Vasco opened their Hollywoodbets Super League campaign with a 3-1 loss to UJ FC, but redeemed themselves when they collected three points against the Tsunami Queens (2-1).
This was followed by back to back losses against Richmond United (1-4) and Ma-Indies Ladies (2-3), but they got back to winning ways as they defeated Golden Ladies 2-1 and lost to Durban Ladies this past weekend.
It is still not clear who will be in charge of the coastal side when they travel to the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Qgeberha to face fellow newcomers City Lads Ladies on Wednesday (1 June 2022) – but that role could fall to assistant coach Justin Tantaal.
The club was not available for comment.
Vasco da Gama Hollywoodbets Super League results:
Vasco 0 – 1 Durban Ladies
Golden Ladies 1 – 2 Vasco
Vasco 2 – 3 Ma-Indies Ladies
Richmond United 4 – 1 Vasco
Vasco 2 – 1 Tsunami Queens
UJ FC 3 – 1 Vasco
By Matlhomola Morake
