Cape Town - The year is at an end, the trophy is in the cabinet and Cape Town City have certainly captured the imagination of football followers across the country.
But this is a sport in which a team cannot live on past success - there’s always a new challenge and City are already looking to the second half of the season.
Ensconced in a lofty third position on the Absa Premiership standings - level on 25 points with the two top sides SuperSport United and Bidvest Wits - and Telkom Knockout champions, City have made sensational strides in their debut season.
And when the PSL resumes on February 7 next year they are determined to keep rolling.
City are the culmination of the vision of football administrator John Comitis. Having left Ajax Cape Town, he was looking to start something new. In June this year, after buying the PSL franchise of Mpumalanga Black Aces, he relocated the club to the Mother City and re-named it Cape Town City.
Six months later, the new club is one of the most talked-about sides in the country.
“I guess we have to say that we overshot our expectations,” said Comitis. “I don’t think anybody expected us to do as well as we have But I think we got a lot of things right. Also, the spirit and unity in the squad were very good, and that was vital in the team’s success.
“There was that wobble towards the end, but that was to be expected after the run to the Telkom Knockout victory. Fatigue had definitely set in - and that is why this long break now is very welcome.”
Comitis said plans were already in place to strengthen the squad for next season, and he had no doubt that City would be among the title-challengers.
“Having now played against all the 15 other clubs in the PSL, and knowing what we have in our team, I believe we can compete for the title,” said Comitis. “It will be tough, especially with Sundowns having so many games left, and the fact that they’ll also enjoy the break.
“But we need one or two more players to add some depth to the squad. With a bit of luck, we could be there On our day we are unbeatable.”
Comitis said they already had two or three players earmarked for the January transfer window. They were in the market for a striker and a defender.
He also added Latvian defender Renars Rode and Australian midfielder Mat Sim had decided to go back home. The players wanted more game time, and it was unlikely they would get it at City.
The Capetonians will instead focus on continuing to groom Ghanaian central defender Joseph Adjei, which is why they are happy to allow Rode to leave.
However, Austrian Roland Putsche has been a great success.
“Putsche has turned out to be magnificent,” said Comitis.
“He took a couple of games to adjust, but once he got into it, he was brilliant. His organisational skills in midfield and winning of balls will be a great asset going forward.”
As for City’s head coach Eric Tinkler, Comitis couldn’t contain his praise. “Eric has done a marvellous job. He’s built the team from the ground up. He’s an absolute master.”
But, looking to the future, two off-field aspects are still a source of concern for Comitis.
“The City of Cape Town has to now step up with regard to our facilities in the Green Point precinct,” he said.
“Also, in terms of support, there has been a great response to the team, but the challenge is to turn that into bums on seats. It’s something the players need; there’s nothing better than playing in front of an enthusiastic crowd.”