With all the hype leading up to Cape Town City’s inaugural game, it was finally time for the Mother Citys new PSL side to do the talking where it mattered the most - on the football field.
History was made on a bitterly cold winters evening, last Tuesday, when City beat Polokwane City 2-0 to kick-start their maiden season.
Leading up to the game, social media was a buzz with the #IAMCITY hashtag which got the fans talking all around the Cape community soccer fields. I thought what better way to watch the curtains open than from the Extra Strong seating area among the fans.
On my way to the stadium, I was disappointed not to see the masses make their way to the 2010 World Cup venue. Instead, the crowd came crawling in, which meant that City had their work cut out for them in order to win over the hearts of the Cape football followers.
With just over 3 000 people at the 55 000 capacity stadium on opening night, there was still an abundance of energy and excitement which illuminated from those who were curious.
For some, it was a special moment as fathers brought their sons to the game on a school night; while for others, they were happy to once again support the team they cheered for back in the day at the Hartleyvalle Stadium.
Various community LFA clubs like Grassy Park United, Salt River Blackpool and Mitchells Plain Clinic of Excellence, showed their support as well.
Once I entered the stadium gates to head on to the Extra Strong , I bumped into some football mates and struck up random conversation with whoever was walking beside me.
The word from everyone at that point was that the final score didn’t matter and that home support was what counted.
Finally, it was time, the referee got the game underway. The City boys started off at a slow pace, and, so too, did the supporters.
The crowd’s vocal chords only started to work once Bhongolwethu Jayiya scored the opening goal. It was then, when the coaches from the Extra Strong were on their feet, issuing instructions to push out, pass the ball, shoot or to make a tackle. Vuvuzela’s were buzzing and cheers echoed around me, ‘COME ON CITY!’
Aubrey Ngoma’s goal secured City’s dream start which left fans dancing and chanting their way home. Even the fully kitted Kaizer Chiefs fans who sat in the front row relished the win.
And, after City’s win against Chiefs in the MTN8 clash, they showed that they not just a flavour of the month and social media buzz - but that they also have the sting needed to target silverware. - The Star
Follow Shifaan Ryklief on Twitter@FootballFaan