Cape Town City boost survival hopes, but derby 'war' against Stellenbosch waiting in the wings
Image: Backpagepix
Cape Town City's caretaker coach Diogo Peral expressed a mixture of relief and determination following his team's commendable 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Polokwane City, on a challenging day for the players.
Describing Saturday's encounter as 'a difficult game' at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium – known for its tough atmosphere – Peral acknowledged the significance of the win in the context of the club's relegation battle.
City had not tasted victory since 17 January, when they defeated Richards Bay FC at Cape Town Stadium. Since then, they had suffered nine league defeats and drawn four times in 13 matches.
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'These are the kind of hard-fought battles we need to face,' said Peral, who recorded his first win since taking over from Muhsin Ertugral in March.
'If it's the play-offs and this is the kind of performance away from home, then this will get us through.'
His comments highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by City in the second half of the Premiership campaign. He suggested that, had this level of commitment been shown earlier in the season, the club might not be in this precarious position.
He praised his players for adapting their style of play, saying: 'They know that this is what they must do now, especially in the battles we are going into. They played a game they don't really like to play, but they know this is what's required now.'
This emphasis on adaptation and resilience may prove to be a crucial catalyst in their bid to remain in South Africa's top flight. 'Whether this is enough to save us from the play-offs or not, who knows?' he added.
Three points on the road, and focus shifts to next Saturday ✅
A 𝒃𝒊𝒈 week lies ahead #iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/XJgCRpMjBT — Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 18, 2025
City will be holding their breath in the battle for Premiership survival as they prepare for next week's final match of the season. The team cannot rely solely on their own performance; in addition to securing a possible win, they need favourable results in other matches involving relegation-threatened sides to go their way before their fate is sealed.
The bad news for City is that they face in-form Western Cape neighbours Stellenbosch FC at Cape Town Stadium. Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has already fired the opening salvo ahead of the derby, following his side's 2-1 win over SuperSport United at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday.
Looking ahead to the Mother City derby, Barker said: 'It's going to be war out there.'
Stellenbosch warmed up for the showdown by reclaiming third place on the Betway Premiership table with their weekend victory.
Will City rise to the occasion, or will they hear the telltale sound of the play-offs' trapdoor opening beneath them?
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