Cape Town City FC are looking to stabilise their topsy-turvy season when they run out against resurgent TS Galaxy in Sunday’s Premiership clash at Mbombela Stadium (3.30pm kick-off).
Despite their precarious position, highlighted by two defeats in their last three outings, City have parted ways with stalwart central defender Keanu Cupido.
He was snapped by champions Mamelodi Sundowns hours before the transfer window closed on Tuesday evening.
Cupido will fill the void left by defender Rushine de Reuck, who moved to the Israeli Premier League on a loan deal.
Keanu Cupido has completed a permanent move to Mamelodi Sundowns ✍️
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) January 29, 2025
After seven memorable seasons, everyone at the club wishes Keanu all the best in his next chapter 💙#iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/Ut7H2knCCk
City coach Muhsin Ertugral is pleased that Cupido’s career has been boosted by the move to Sundowns.
“Keanu is a great player that looks to bigger challenges for himself. He deserves that,” said Ertugral.
“I think we are good in the defensive line, and we still have one youngster (Sibusiso) Ziba, who also needs a chance. Ziba is an interesting player.
“Along the way, he will have chances to play, and hopefully we can get another (central defender).
“We are targeting another six victories that will bring us to the top eight.”
The 25-year-old Ziba has been playing off the bench since he joined the club last year from JDR Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
On Monday evening, City bowed out of the Nedbank Cup after a 2-0 defeat by Sekhukhune United in a last 32-round match played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Back to work! 💪#iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/vraMaPNDYC
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) January 30, 2025
Sekhukhune will be looking to record a Cape double when they play Stellenbosch FC in a Premiership match on Saturday afternoon at the Danie Craven Stadium (3.30pm kick-off).
Under the guidance of coach Lehlohonolo Seema, Sekhukhune have been one of the form sides this season and is in enviable fourth on the latest Premiership standings.
Sekhukhune went down 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs a fortnight ago, but they redeemed themselves against City with a 2-0 win.
“It’s always nice when you keep on winning, and the players’ confidence will come,” said Seema ahead of the trip to the Cape Winelands.
“We will continue to work hard and remain humble because there is still a long way to go. We’ve only played 13 matches in the Premiership.”
One Sekhukhune player who could pose a threat to Stellenbosch is Katlego Otladisa, who is on loan from Orlando Pirates.
Seema offered the former Pirates man a rare starting line-up berth against City, and he scored a goal to cap an impressive performance.
Seema is likely to name him in the run-on XI against Stellies.
“I think Otladisa can still do more, and what I like is he is playing on the left where we normally have (a regular player) Keletso Makgalwa,” said Seema.
This is a cracker form Katlego Otladisa 😲⚡
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 27, 2025
📺 Stream #NedbankCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/go7yJBYdkz
“I’m happy for Otladisa, but he knows he needs to work hard. We are trying to create that competition, and I’m happy for him.”
Meanwhile, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, ever-improving Polokwane City will host Chippa United on Saturday evening (5.30pm).
Polokwane are enjoying a terrific run in the Premiership, and are on a five-match unbeaten streak, which has taken them to a lofty third position on the standings.
After a poor start to the season, Galaxy have enjoyed some consistency of late, and have avoided defeat in the last five Premiership matches with two wins and three draws – but will be disappointed with their lowly 11th position.
Galaxy warmed up for the match with a whopping 7-0 win over First Division outfit Vasco da Gama in a Nedbank Cup clash on Wednesday evening.