CAPE TOWN - Cape Town City’s success this season has hinged on the team’s defensive shape - and, in doing the double over neighbours Ajax Cape Town on Saturday night, it was, again, this very same, impressive structure and cohesion upon which the victory was constructed.
City defeated Ajax 2-0 in an absorbing PSL fixture at the Cape Town Stadium. In the corresponding first round match, City won 1-0 and there’s certainly no doubt about which team the Cape football bragging rights belong to this season.
With two of the other title contenders - Wits and SuperSport United involved in Caf fixtures, the result allowed City to storm their way to the top of the PSL
standings.
City coach Eric Tinkler was particularly pleased with his team’s defensive work, especially in light of the fact that Ajax dominated possession, and he singled out experienced central defender Robyn Johannes for special praise.
“Robyn was very strong and he was good in leading the defence,” said Tinkler. “He got the team shifting across the field to ensure we kept our shape I think that’s probably the best game he’s had for us all season.”
But, as much as the City coach was ecstatic about the victory and the team’s position at the summit of the PSL, he had high praise for Ajax’s performance.
“It was a gritty performance from us,” said Tinkler. “We knew we would have to work hard. We knew that, because it was a derby, we couldn’t judge Ajax on their last result And Ajax then proved that with a really good performance on Saturday night. They had lots of possession and gave us quite a few scares.
“But we soaked up the pressure and I thought we defended very well throughout the 90 minutes. We also knew that we could capitalise on their errors, and that is exactly what we did. I’m really proud of the boys, it was a tough, tough game, but we got the result.”
A good crowd was in attendance (around 12 000) and there’s no doubt that the Cape derby is a thing again. There was a buzz of anticipation ahead of the game, and the atmosphere and football on the night lived up to expectation.
“The organisation by Ajax on the day and the numbers they brought into the ground augur well for the future of the derby. Hopefully, we’ve put on a spectacle and the game will attract more fans. It’s important to grow the crowd base in the Cape, and both teams can benefit from it,” said Tinkler.
But Tinkler stressed that this was no time for City to rest on their laurels, the hard work was only beginning.
“Yes, we hold the bragging rights now, but things change from season to season,” he said. “We have it now, but next season could be different, that is why we have to keep trying to be better, keep striving to be successful. We’re a new club and that is how we have to keep growing.”