CAPE TOWN - Cape Town City stand at the precipice of a fantastic achievement. Currently top of the PSL standings, the new Mother City PSL club has surpassed even its own ambitions this season.
Established in June last year, who would have believed that they would be setting the pace at the summit of the log with 39 points, with nine games left to play. Wits are second on the PSL table with 38 points, followed by SuperSport United 37, Kaizer Chiefs 36 and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on 34 points.
The other title contenders still have games in hand on City - but, as they say in football, it counts for nothing. Points in the bag is what matters
So, as City take a breather during the international break, how they negotiate their remaining games will be extremely crucial in determining their title challenge. We look at a few defining areas they need to focus on:
IT’S A CONFIDENCE THING
City coach Eric Tinkler has been vocal about the fact that, in the last two fixtures, his team appears to have lost a bit of confidence. After a meritorious victory over African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, the Capetonians subsequently crashed out of the Nedbank Cup to lower-tier side Acornbush United and struggled to get going in a goalless draw with Bloemfontein Celtic.
Next up for City will be Chippa United at home at Cape Town Stadium on 1 April - and Tinkler is hoping the international break will be advantageous to infusing the squad with renewed energy and enthusiasm. He wants his players to regain the swagger that made them capture the hearts of football followers across the country. And, as a former player himself, Tinkler is well aware of how importance confidence is to an individual and the team as a whole.
IT’S ABOUT COPING WITH PRESSURE
Pressure, as any player or coach will confirm, is part and parcel of top-level, professional football. It’s there, you can’t wish it away. If you can’t stand the heat, then go play tiddlywinks. While City have handled the pressure that often comes with crunch occasions, as they’ve certainly had the temperament during key moments in such big games, it’s the post-victory hangover that has bedevilled their debut season in the PSL.
For example: After winning the Telkom Knockout last year, City finished off the year in a bit of a slump. And then, we all know what happened after they defeated Sundowns It’s this pressure of the spotlight that appears to be hindering the Cape club’s march to the PSL title. With nine games to play for City, and a championship charge most certainly in sight, there is no room for faint hearts. Pressure has to be used as fuel, as motivation, for the remaining weeks of the campaign.
IT’S A TEAM GAME
The team ethic has been at the root of City’s success this season. Speak to any player in the squad and they will wax lyrical about the spirit in the camp, the unity, and the all-for-one, one-for-all attitude that prevails in the squad.
As City attempt to achieve their goal of winning the title, this is the characteristic that is key to their approach. As a team, they’ve been super-impressive this season. Their organisation, shape and structure have seldom varied. They’re a well-drilled unit, in which each individual player is aware of his role and importance to the team as a whole.
IT’S MORE THAN MANYAMA
But - and it’s quite a big but - City rely far too much on captain Lebogang Manyama. The Bafana Bafana man has had an extraordinary season and, in that, is to be found the Cape club’s weakness. Essentially, Manyama just needs to be slightly off kilter, and City struggle. He is the go-to player and, when they can’t go to him, or when he is unable to create something out of nothing, City have little or no spark. Aubrey Ngoma has had a good season too, but his game also relies heavily on his partnership with Manyama.
They say one player is never bigger than the team That is certainly correct - but sometimes a team is just so much better because of one individual. In City’s case, this is definitely so. If Manyama’s on song for the remaining games, the Capetonians have a shot at winning the title. If he’s not, then it’s probably a top-four finish. So, with this in mind, perhaps it’s time for others in the squad to rise to the occasion.
IT’S HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Winning the PSL title in a debut season - there can be no greater inspiration for City. Yes, they were Mpumalanga Black Aces last season, but, really, that doesn’t count. Think of everything that had to go into establishing the new Cape club: the relocation, the structures, the new squad, the marketing and promotion, the on-field football product and so much more.
City are a new team - and, for them to win the title at a first attempt, represents an awe-inspiring achievement. For the players, surely they need no other motivation. History beckons Do they want to write themselves into the history books? Let’s see.