CAPE TOWN – The 2018-19 PSL season swings into action this weekend and Cape Town City are looking rather ominous. They’re a team to watch.
City head into the season with a home fixture against SuperSport United at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday (6pm kickoff).
City made a big statement of intent at the weekend in defeating Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in the Mpumalanga Cultural Experience Cup, with speedy winger Craig Martin grabbing the winning goal.
📸: Action from yesterday's 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs ✌️at the Mbombela Stadium - Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience Cup Champions! #iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/vTpEh35vWP
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) July 29, 2018
The Cape side has made some really astute signings, including goalkeeper Peter Leeuwenburgh, Riyaad Norodien, Gift Links, Ivorian defender Kouassi Kouadja and striker Siphelele Mthembu.
Leeuwenburgh, 24, was outstanding in the pre-season friendly win over Chiefs on Saturday, with club boss John Comitis ecstatic afterwards that he has managed to bring such a fantastic talent to the PSL.
“Cape Town, we have ourselves a team,” said Comitis after the game. “This Peter (Leeuwenburgh) was incredible.”
Great way to finish pre season and to get my first game minutes for CTCFC with a 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs. Looking forward to the start of the league next week at home💥🔵 pic.twitter.com/S87FwNPOrv
— Peter Leeuwenburgh (@pleeuwenburgh) July 29, 2018
In addition to the new signings, City also have a wiser, more experienced Benni McCarthy. Last season was the former Bafana Bafana striker’s first as a head coach and, by his own admission, it was a huge learning curve for him.
So, as City prepare for SuperSport, McCarthy will, no doubt, be impressing on his team to get the new campaign off to a winning start.
The starting team probably won’t change too much from the one that took to the field against Chiefs: Thami Mkhize, Taariq Fielies, Kwanda Mngonyama and Edmilson in defence; Roland Putsche, Ayanda Patosi, Thabo Nodada, Craig Martin and Norodien across the middle; with Matthew Rusike tasked with the lone striker role.
In goal, there is a question mark around the availability of new man Leeuwenburgh. The Dutchman was able to play in the friendly last Saturday, but has to have his work permit sorted before he can participate in the opening game this weekend.
Comitis said he was trying everything to speed up the process.