Prins Tjiueza scored the winner for Cape Town City against SuperSport United. Photo: BackpagePix
Cape Town City FC may have found the long-term replacement for their former ace poacher Khanyisa Mayo, according to coach Eric Tinkler.
Mayo was City’s leading goalscorer for the past two seasons and regularly among the leading contenders for the PSL Golden Boot.
However, the Bafana Bafana striker moved to Algerian giants CR Belouizdad during the off-season, which left a major void at the Citizens.
Tinkler moved quickly in the transfer window to bring in Namibian international striker Prins Tjiueza, though with any new signing there is usually a settling-in period.
Tjiueza has, however, hit the ground running, with the 22-year-old slotting home his second goal in just three matches on Saturday evening to propel City to a much-needed 1-0 victory over SuperSport United at a wet and windy Athlone Stadium.
Tjiueza provided a clinical finish, easing the ball past SuperSport goalkeeper Ricardo Goss, after a delightful through-ball from another new City signing, midfielder Haashim Domingo.
The pass. The run. The finish.
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) September 29, 2024
What's not to love about this Tjiueza goal? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mx7EpwRpjB
“There were some beautiful moves to get the opportunities and eventually the goal,” Tinkler said.
“Very happy for the youngster. Yes, he made a couple of mistakes, but as the game went on, he grew in confidence and showed his talent here.
“Prins, we signed him originally as a No 10, but I immediately saw he has the ability to play as No 9 – he keeps running and doesn’t stop, and he is a handful for teams. He has a bright future.”
The victory was City’s first of the season, and vitally important after they suffered a 3-0 drubbing from neighbours Stellenbosch FC in the Western Cape derby in midweek.
It was not just the result that had disappointed Tinkler, but rather the manner in which his team folded in the second half, where they played without any desire or conviction.
But the Citizens responded with greater drive against SuperSport and were rewarded with the three points.
“There was a lot of pressure on us, on the players and myself. And the players had to respond, and they did,” the former Bafana Bafana midfielder said.
“We started a little bit shakily, but once we got into the rhythm, I thought overall we dominated and created the better chances.
“We looked more like ourselves, from what I’ve seen in the pre-season and in moments in certain games. I think that was the key factor. They responded in the right way.
“I think we are not far off. I still think there is a lack of belief in some of the guys, and they need to have a bit more confidence in themselves and collectively.
“But today wasn’t about the performance ... it was more about the result. Still a lot of work to do to correct those mistakes, but it will be a lot easier after a result like this.”
Tinkler could also afford to smile after finally putting one over his long-time adversary Gavin Hunt.
“I had Stellies and them (SuperSport United) this past week,” he said.
“It’s been my two hoodoo teams. I try to stay away from the stats. Great to break that run finally.”