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
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
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
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
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
The former Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder is one of the best in his position, and his calmness and accuracy in the attacking half make him stand out from most.
While his finishing still needs a lot of polishing, he could have an edge over his opponents thanks to his exposure to top-flight football for much of his career.
