As 2016 draws to a close, perhaps it’s an appropriate time to select a Cape Town team of the year. It hasn’t always been possible in the past because there was only one Cape PSL club. But now that Cape Town City have joined Ajax Cape Town in the top-flight - and both having finished the year in a good space - I’ve run the rule over the players.
This is my Cape team of the year, in a 4-4-1-1 formation:
GOALKEEPER - Shu-Aib Walters (Cape Town City)
For sheer reliability and the steadying influence he has on the City defence, Walters gets the nod. This season, Ajax have used both youngsters Jody February and Brandon Petersen. While February has done well in recent weeks, Walters wins the spot in my team for his experience and overall consistency.
CENTRAL DEFENDER - Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town)
For me, Coetzee is just about the best defender in the country. For club and country, week in and week out, he hardly puts a foot wrong. He has no challengers in my selection- without doubt, the first name on the team sheet.
CENTRAL DEFENDER - Robyn Johannes (Cape Town City)
Johannes has been brilliant since getting his opportunity in the City defence. A case can be made for Abbubaker Mobara, who was good for Ajax last season, but he’s moved on to Orlando Pirates. Both Lawrence Lartey and Eric Chipeta are still a little unsettled and unsure at Ajax, while City’s Tshepo Gumede also had a shot. But City just look so much more compact, organised and confident when Johannes is playing. So he’s my choice.
RIGHT-BACK - Thamsanqa Mkhize (Cape Town City)
Mkhize is a player who came from nowhere to end the year as one of the brightest talents in the PSL. The Urban Warriors have struggled with this position since the death of Cecil Lolo - Abel Mabaso has been injured and they are currently using seasoned campaigner Erwin Isaacs on the right side of defence. City started the season with veteran Vincent Kobolo at right-back and he did absolutely nothing wrong.
Mkhize was signed without much fanfare, probably just as defensive cover, but since being given a chance, he has regularly been among the best on show during City’s magnificent charge to the Telkom Knockout trophy and lofty log position.
LEFT-BACK - Mosa Lebusa (Ajax Cape Town)
Lebusa is, arguably, one of the most consistent performers in the PSL. Thato Mokeke has done brilliantly for City at left-back, but Lebusa is one of my favourite footballers - and his selection in a Cape team is a no-brainer for me.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Travis Graham (Ajax Cape Town)
Graham doesn’t hog the headlines, he just gets stuck into his job in the Ajax midfield.
He’s been a habitual presence in the Ajax side, irrespective of which coach is in charge. And that alone speaks volumes about how invaluable his industry and indomitable spirit is to the team.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Mpho Matsi (Cape Town City)
It was a toss-up between Matsi and Austrian Roland Putsche for the other spot in the midfield engine room. Putsche, though, initially struggled with the speed of the PSL and it took him a few weeks to get accustomed to his new surroundings. Once adapted, he was magnificent. But Matsi, from the very first game City played in August, has impressed with his combative instinct and link play, and has been a crucial cog in City’s success.
LEFT WINGER - Aubrey Ngoma (Cape Town City)
Ngoma has been simply outstanding. Pace, guile and bags of confidence in possession, the winger has been hugely influential for City.
RIGHT WINGER - Thabo Mosadi (Ajax Cape Town)
Mosadi has been a breath of fresh air for Ajax. The “Ajax way” relies heavily on creative wing play, but there hasn’t been much to enthuse over in recent years. Riyaad Norodien looked a promising prospect in this regard last season, but he just wasn’t consistent enough, and he has since moved to Pirates. Mosadi, signed at the beginning of this season, hit the ground running and he has been an innovative presence for the Urban Warriors.
IN THE HOLE - Lebogang Manyama (Cape Town City)
Manyama is already the leading candidate for PSL Player of the Year come the end of this season, such has been the top-class quality of his performances for City. An exceptional footballer, he has the ability to unlock the tightest of defences from his position in the hole behind the striker. He’s an excellent individual talent and a magnificent team man, too.
STRIKER - Prince Nxumalo (Ajax Cape Town)
Last season, he finished high up on the PSL scoring charts. This season, now that he’s back to full fitness, he’s among the goals again. He’s had illness and injury problems over the last two years, but one thing is for certain: Nxumalo’s a natural goal-getter.