Five key players who could rescue Cape Town City's Premiership status
Image: BackpagePix
Once riding high in the Premiership, Cape Town City now find themselves navigating unfamiliar waters. The rhythm that led them to an impressive fifth-place finish in the 2023/24 season has faltered, replaced by uncertainty and a battle for survival.
Now, in a make-or-break scenario, they must overcome two determined NFD Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) sides—Casric Stars and Orbit College—to secure their place in the Betway Premiership.
This is uncharted territory for the Citizens, a club that has consistently finished within the top eight since the 2014/15 season, when they ended the campaign in 10th place. One of their finest moments came in the 2021/22 season, when they proudly claimed second place behind Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, their fortunes have since taken a troubling turn. A run of poor results, compounded by a series of coaching changes—including the exits of Eric Tinkler and Muhsin Ertugral—has left the team in a vulnerable position.
With their top-flight status hanging by a thread, a decisive performance in the upcoming playoffs is essential. Here, Obakeng Meletse looks at five key players who could prove crucial in Cape Town City's fight for survival. Darren Keet
Darren Keet of Bidvest Wits collects the high ball during the 2016 MTN 8 semi-final second leg football match between Cape Town City FC and Bidvest Wits at Cape Town Stadium. Photo: Chris Ricco Darren Keet of Bidvest Wits collects the high ball during the 2016 MTN 8 semi-final second leg football match between Cape Town City FC and Bidvest Wits at Cape Town Stadium. Photo: Chris Ricco
Image: Chris Ricco
The 35-year-old is experienced both locally and internationally, and with his side now facing a situation this current crop of players hasn't truly encountered before, his leadership in marshalling the defense and guiding the team to make as few mistakes as possible will be crucial in overcoming the challenge posed by both Motsepe Foundation Championship sides.
The Citizens conceded 31 goals this past season, and many of their difficulties stemmed from an inability to keep clean sheets. The experienced campaigner will need to ensure that, in the upcoming matches, the team concedes as few goals as possible — a factor that could ultimately make the difference. Thulani Serero
Former Bafana Bafana and Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Thulani Serero has returned to the Mother City after a decade playing abroad.
Image: Cape Town City
Formerly with Ajax Cape Town before moving to the parent club Ajax Amsterdam, the now 35-year-old is a seasoned campaigner who is well-traveled and well-poised to handle the pressure that comes with being in a do-or-die situation.
Serero has yet to make the kind of impact he would have hoped for since returning to South African football, but the upcoming play-offs present a perfect opportunity for him to remind everyone why he is regarded as one of the finest midfielders this country has ever produced. Jaedin Rhodes
Vuyo Letlapa of Sekhukhune United is challenged by Jaedin Rhodes of Cape Town City during their Betway Premiership enncounter at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: Backjpagepix
The talented 22-year-old midfielder played a key role in helping the Cape Town side find much-needed momentum in the closing stages of the season. His creativity could be exactly what the club needs to overcome the unfamiliar hurdle they currently face. Darwin Gonzalez
Darwin Gonzalez Cape Town City striker Darwin Gonzalez will pose a danger against Richards Bay. Photo: PHANDO JIKELO Independent Media
Image: PHANDO JIKELO Independent Media
González was one of the standout performers this season, with his eye for goal proving pivotal despite the team struggling for consistent results throughout the campaign.
With four goals scored this season, including two strikes against Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, González could hold the key to unlocking another season for his side in the top flight. Haashim Domingo
Haashim Domingo Cape Town City's Haashim Domingo battles away against Stellenbosch FC in the local derby at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
18 minutes ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs urged to snap up Rivaldo Coetzee after Downs exit
Kaizer Chiefs have emerged as a potential destination for Rivaldo Coetzee after he officially parted ways with Mamelodi Sundowns. The talented 28-year-old defender-turned-midfielder left the Brazilians following the expiry of his contract on 30 June 2025, ending a successful seven-year spell with the Tshwane giants. Having joined Sundowns from Ajax Cape Town in 2018, Coetzee made over 130 appearances in all competitions and played a vital role in securing multiple trophies, including the prestigious 2023 African Football League title. Despite his contributions, recurring injuries plagued his recent seasons and limited his impact on the pitch. Coetzee departed Sundowns alongside several other notable names, including Thabang Sibanyoni, Sipho Mbule, Sanele Tshabalala, Lebohang Maboe, Lucas Suárez, and Sifiso Ngobeni. While Mbule and Sibanyoni have already secured moves to Orlando Pirates and Durban City FC respectively, Coetzee remains a free agent, but not without admirers. With Kaizer Chiefs actively searching for a commanding midfielder, the opportunity to sign Coetzee on a free transfer seems almost too good to ignore. His versatility, experience, and pedigree at the highest level of African football make him an enticing option – especially with the club looking to bolster their ranks under new leadership. Prosport International CEO and Coetzee's agent, Mike Makaab, provided a promising update on the player's condition and market status. 'I think the first thing you need to remember is that Rivaldo left Sundowns with an injury, but he has made big progress and he should be ready by August,' Makaab said, as per FARPost . 'There is interest in the player, but at the moment, nothing has been official. We hope that we will find a club for him sooner rather than later.' This development could suit Kaizer Chiefs perfectly. With Coetzee's expected return in August aligning with the start of the new Betway Premiership season, the Glamour Boys have a golden opportunity to strengthen their midfield without spending on transfer fees. Coetzee's availability presents a low-risk, high-reward scenario for Chiefs. Despite his injury setbacks, his quality and experience could provide the balance the midfield desperately needs. A performance-based deal might just be the solution, and with Makaab confirming he's nearly ready to return, time is of the essence. The question remains, will Kaizer Chiefs act fast enough to secure the services of a seasoned Bafana Bafana international before rivals swoop in? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Kaizer Chiefs face challenging start to the season with tough fixture list as trip to Mamelodi Sundowns looms large
Kaizer Chiefs face a challenging start to the Betway Premiership season with tough fixtures against Stellenbosch FC, Polokwane City, Richards Bay, and champions Mamelodi Sundowns in August, as they aim to improve on their previous league performances. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media Though Kaizer Chiefs will not be involved in the opening weekend of local football action in the MTN8, they will still have their work cut out from the outset in their new Betway Premiership campaign. With Chiefs having finished outside the top eight in the league the last two seasons, there are increased expectations that the Soweto Giants will produce a much better showing. Even though Chiefs won their first piece of silverware with the Nedbank Cup title last season, it did not hide their underperformance in the league. Now, Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi will have to ensure his troops hit the ground running from their first clash.
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Eben Etzebeth not done yet: Springboks' enforcer still burning to wear No 4
Still standing tall: Eben Etzebeth is determined to keep his place in the Bok engine room despite rising pressure from younger rivals. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The bad news for the Springboks' chief rivals is that Eben Etzebeth's competitive fire burns brighter than ever — and he is determined to hang onto his iconic No 4 jersey for as long as possible. With the Rugby Championship just a month away, the towering lock has issued a timely warning: he feels fresh, fit, and hungry. 'I want to wear that No 4 jersey in the green and gold as many times as possible,' the 133-Test veteran told Rapport. 'The competitive spirit is still strong in me — I'm not giving up my place. I want to be in the team for as long as possible.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Most players of Etzebeth's vintage would be tempted toward the pipe and slippers after a career's worth of bruising battles, but the 33-year-old insists he's far from done. 'I'm not thinking about playing until a certain year — I'm just going to keep pushing. The key is staying fit and avoiding injury, because recovery is harder as you get older. 'The curtain falls for everyone. It came early for Steven Kitshoff, but that was due to injury — it could have happened when he was 24.' Etzebeth admits he keeps a close eye on the younger crop coming through, and while he mentors them, their rise fuels his own fire. 'Every year the younger guys are just bigger, better, and faster,' he said. 'Players like Salmaan Moerat and Ruan Nortje are already world-class. They push me to improve — and that's the way it should be.' This year, Etzebeth has battled concussion issues and barely featured for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship. Yet the enforced lay-off may have been a blessing in disguise. 'I haven't played a lot this year. The body feels good. I feel fresh. I'm ready to get a good couple of games under the belt and perform. 'I struggled with concussions, which kept me out for a few months. It wasn't great for me or the Sharks, but in hindsight, the body was able to rest up a bit. 'When there is an injury, I always try to see the positive in it. You get time away from rugby and spend time with your family, which is always good. 'I played four games this year for the Sharks, so that's not a lot. I played just over 40 minutes against Italy in the first Test (and against Georgia). That's not a lot of match minutes for the year so far, so I feel good.' Etzebeth is part of a core group of Springboks on the wrong side of 30 and under growing scrutiny as the build-up to the 2027 World Cup in Australia begins. Names like Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi, and Faf de Klerk all face similar questions. But for Etzebeth, the approach is simple: take it one season at a time. 'I don't think the guys are setting goals for themselves to make it this year or that year. We're going year by year, trying to keep performing and be a part of the Bok set-up. 'I try to keep pushing myself and not fall behind when it comes to fitness or running. I try to stay as fit as possible. 'The challenging thing is to keep your body injury-free because when you get older, the recovery is a bit harder — but we're trying hard to keep being in the mix.'
