In adversity, there is always opportunity.
And while the last thing I want to do is make light of the coronavirus pandemic still killing and making our friends and family sick, that saying still rings true.
We can come back stronger, having been brought to our knees. All you have to do is look at our Cape PSL clubs for proof.
Ahead of last night’s Cape derby between Cape Town City and Stellenbosch, the manne were firing on all cylinders, having won each of their games since the restart.
While Stellenbosch had only played one, the club had taken some knocks during lockdown.
At the end of June, they had to say goodbye to experienced defender Morgan Gould, Dutch goalkeeper Boy de Jong and leading goalscorer Iqraam Rayners.
But coach Steve Barker has prepped his team well during the time off and they look recharged and hungry.
Up front, they are taking on a fresh local look.
With the promotion of 18-year-old playmaker Jayden Adams to the first team, Barker can play a homegrown trio in attack with Lelethu Skelem and Ashley du Preez.
Elsewhere in the squad, they have good knowledge and experience that will no doubt see them maintain their top-flight status.
Barker and his CEO Rob Benadie talk a good game and after this consolidation period, they are aiming high.
And there is absolutely no reason this club can’t do it with the resources behind them.
Training with the Blitzbokke has gotta rub off on you.
And the best that the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport have, will no doubt keep the performance levels high.
Over at City, is alles weer Hollands.
After a rocky start to his tenure here, Dutchman Jan Olde Riekerink is getting some results and some credit.
Unpopular and unfortunate in the aftermath following Benni McCarthy’s exit, the former Ajax Amsterdam head of youth has quietly gone to work to turn things around.
Measured and tough, his experience is shining through now. What’s impressed most is how he has adapted to the PSL game after years in China and Turkey recently.
But his coaching all around Europe and the world means he is a good traveller.
And he’s really won his players over now.
He hasn’t changed much of Benni’s style of play. They are still a ball-playing team, but the boss’ new emphasis on intensity has seen them play with more pace.
With the players’ fitness levels up too, they are better organised off the ball as well. That was tested big time against Mamelodi Sundowns on Monday night.
With their 3-1 lead pegged back to 3-2, they dug deep to secure the three points. Against lesser opposition, they will fancy themselves if they can maintain their focus.
One Cape side that hasn’t got their restart off to a bang is Ajax Cape Town.
The Urban Warriors could have booked their place in the PSL already if they had won their first two games back.
Instead, their lead at the top of the GladAfrica Championship has been cut to just three points.
Still, two wins from their remaining games will see them join City and Stellies in the top flight.