Comment by Herman Gibbs
Cape Town City FC’s stint in the top-flight Premiership came to a catastrophic end following a 1-0 defeat against Orbit College in a PSL promotion/relegation playoff clash on Wednesday.
Players were left in shock as disbelief swept through the squad after the final whistle, their dreams of remaining in the Premiership dashed in a match that epitomised their struggles this season.
Cape Town City, historically a formidable presence by finishing in the top eight for each of their previous eight seasons, found themselves failing to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
In what is a seismic shift in South African football, the club’s catastrophic fall to the First Division marks a spectacular decline for a team that was once a formidable presence in South African football.
This season’s results contrast starkly with City’s notable achievements, such as winning the 2016 Telkom Knockout, the 2018 MTN8, and finishing runners-up in the 2021-22 season behind perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Wednesday’s defeat, which resulted from a performance devoid of the necessary grit and determination, has left fans and analysts questioning the heart and character of the squad.
With the likes of Thulani Serero, Thabo Nodada, Fortune Makaringe and Lorenzo Gordinho, as well as veteran players such as Darren Keet and Thamsanqa Mkhize, City entered the playoffs with high expectations.
However, the weight of pressure was palpable, and when it mattered most, the team failed to step up, lacking the resolve to fight for their survival.
In the past few weeks, analysts pointed to the squad’s imbalance, exacerbated further by insipid recruitment strategies and poor management decisions throughout the season.
Since the departure of Khanyisa Mayo to CR Belouizdad in Algeria, the striker dilemma has plagued the side.
Their late-season signing, Amadou Soukouna, failed to make a significant impact at the Citizens.
The decision to let go of pivotal players such as Darwin Gonzalez, their highest scorer, proved to be a baffling move that left a gaping hole in an already fragile line-up ahead of the playoffs.
City’s efforts were further hampered by the departure of key defender Keanu Cupido, who was sold to Sundowns, leaving the team vulnerable at the back.
Halfway through the season, the club was thrown into disarray as it grappled with the consequences of managerial decisions.
In December, the dismissal of head coach Eric Tinkler initiated a ripple effect that has left the club’s future precariously hanging in the balance.
In a bid to right the ship, the club appointed the seasoned Muhsin Ertugral, whose extensive experience in South African football was seen as a glimmer of hope.
Initial successes against heavyweight rivals, including dramatic victories over established teams like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, fostered a sense of optimism among fans and board members alike.
However, this promising start quickly faded, and results took a downward spiral that would seal the team’s fate.
Owner John Comitis, a respected figure in South African football administration, must ultimately shoulder the blame. He faced mounting criticism for the decisions he made.
In hindsight, he failed to make prudent investments and recruit suitably experienced players.
As the club transitions into the Motsepe Foundation Championship next season, the focus will inevitably shift to rebuilding a squad capable of attaining promotion back to the top-flight.
This relegation not only marks a significant loss for the club, but also reverberates through the local football community in Cape Town, where the absence of a top-tier squad will leave a noticeable void.
Football fans in the Mother City and promising young players face an uncertain future, and the once-celebrated Cape Town City find themselves at a crossroads.