CAPE TOWN – Thamsanqa Mkhize has officially been unveiled as the new Cape Town City captain.
At a training session in Hartleyvale on Wednesday, in preparation for the team’s opening PSL fixture of the 2018-19 season, the 29-year-old right back said he was up to the task.
City host SuperSport United in a PSL match at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday (kickoff 6pm).
“I’m honoured and humbled to have been given this opportunity,” said Mkhize. “It shows the club has great faith in me.
“I have been entrusted with a leadership position, and it comes with responsibilities both on and off the field. I’m ready – and I will try to fulfil my duties to be the best of my ability.”
Mkhize has come a long way in the last two years. Having left Maritzburg United, the KZN-born defender then saw his dream move to Orlando Pirates fall through.
City came to the player’s rescue, shortly after the club’s formation in 2016, and, ever since, there has only been one way for Mkhize: up.
He is one of the first names on head coach Benni McCarthy’s team sheet, he is the first-choice Bafana Bafana right back, and now he has been named as City skipper.
"Mkhize is a trooper, a real gladiator for Cape Town City." - Coach @bennimccarthy17 pic.twitter.com/2tCkV260Qj
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) August 1, 2018
“It think it proves I did the right thing to follow my heart and seek to play for a club that will challenge for things,” said Mkhize.
“Joining City was good for my career – and, this season, I believe we can challenge for everything. We have been working hard and we have added quality to the squad, bringing in players who will help us in going forward.”
As for SuperSport on Saturday, Mkhize said: “We are playing at home, so that should be to our advantage. The first game of a season is always important, so it’s crucial that we start well on Saturday.”
@Reinerss11
IOL Sport