Cape Town City are turning over a new leaf. As such, captain Thamsanqa Mkhize believes they can channel the newly found positive energy in the New Year.
City are regarded as one of the top five teams in the land, albeit still being wet behind the ear having only been formed seven years ago.
They worked for that recognition, having already qualified for the Caf Champions League after finishing second in the Premiership and won two trophies.
Albeit their strides, not all have been rosy and cosy. City have blown hot and cold, losing momentum as they were fast becoming one of the biggest brands.
Enter the new season. City have been on an incredibly downward spiral, losing out on two trophies – the MTN8 and Carling Knockout – while they are 12th in the Betway Premiership.
And given the ambitions of owner John Comitis of seeing the team win at least one trophy and finishing in the top four this season, heads had to roll.
Coach Eric Tinkler was the sacrificial lamb. The ginger-looking tactician was sacked on New Year’s Eve, with his three-and-a-half second stint with the club coming to a sad ending.
Comitis roped in revered tactician Muhsin Ertugral as the club’s technical director and team’s head coach until the end of the season.
Hoş geldiniz, @MuhsinErtugral 🇹🇷🇿🇦#iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/j447pTJo7B
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) January 2, 2025
Ertugral held his first training session with the team this week, and Mkhize, speaking to the club’s media unit, reflected on that and the general reception of the former.
“It’s a fresh start for us since we are working under a new coach. We had our first session with the new coach today (on Friday), and you could see the excitement from the players,” he said.
“I believe that we all stand a fair chance of getting an opportunity (to play) because I don’t think the new coach knows everyone.
“As much as he had worked with some of us as players (before), that doesn’t mean you are already in the team.
“You must pull up your socks, especially knowing that we haven’t been sitting in a comfortable spot. So, we must make sure that we collect points and move up the ladder.”
City could have a chance to climb up the ladder if they beat Kaizer Chiefs in their first game of the New Year in the league this afternoon (5.45pm) at home.
Sure, this game could change City’s fortunes, but it will also be Ertugral's first game against his former side. Mkhize, though, says they know what to expect from Amakhosi.
“A game against Chiefs is always difficult,” he admitted. “But considering that we are playing at home, and we want to move to a respective position, I am looking forward to the game.
“Even my teammates are confident that we’ll apply whatever tactics that the coaches present to the team. So, I am hopeful that come Sunday, we’ll come out victorious.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr1O2OOpMCYGiven that Chiefs have had their fair share of struggles this season under coach Nasreddine Nabi, the odds are fairly balanced for the two teams to come out victorious in the Mother City.
Chiefs’ fans are expected to be dominant on the stands, but that doesn’t deter Mkhize. He’s called out on their own 12th man to come out in numbers at the DHL Stadium.
“To our fans as Cape Town City players we are grateful throughout our struggles they’ve been with Cus, giving us strength and motivating us,” Mkhize acknowledged.
“For us players, we just need to come back now. In the New Year, we come with a positive mindset and perform for the team and bring a smile to the faces of our fans.
“They always back us whether we are winning or losing. So, on Sunday (today) I am looking forward to seeing most of our fans at the stadium, supporting Cape Town City Football Club!”
Meanwhile, City will also be boosted by the return of Nathan Fasika back to the club after the DR Congo international’s loan stint with Norway side Valerenga came to an end.
📝 | Welcome back Fasika! 🇨🇩
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) January 4, 2025
Cape Town City is excited to welcome back DRC international Nathan Fasika after a stint in Europe! ⭐️#iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/AUs7JD68Mj