City must keep striving
Yes we hold the bragging rights now but things change, warns Tinkler
CAPE TOWN CITY’S success this season has hinged on the team’s defensive shape – and, in doing the double over neighbours Ajax Cape Town on Saturday night, it was, again, this very same, impressive structure and cohesion upon which the victory was constructed.
City defeated Ajax 2-0 in an absorbing PSL fixture at the Cape Town Stadium. In the corresponding first round match, City won 1-0 and there’s certainly no doubt about which team the Cape football bragging rights belong to this season.
With two of the other title contenders – Wits and SuperSport United involved in Caf fixtures, the result allowed City to storm their way to the top of the PSL standings.
City coach Eric Tinkler was particularly pleased with his team’s defensive work, especially in light of the fact that Ajax dominated possession, and he singled out experienced central defender Robyn Johannes for special praise.
“Robyn was very strong and he was good in leading the defence,” said Tinkler. “He got the team shifting across the field to ensure we kept our shape … I think that’s probably the best game he’s had for us all season.”
But, as much as the City coach was ecstatic about the victory and the team’s position at the summit of the PSL, he had high praise for Ajax’s performance.
“It was (a) gritty performance from us,” said Tinkler. “We knew we would have to work hard. We knew that, because it was a derby, we couldn’t judge Ajax on their last result … And Ajax then proved that with a really good performance on Saturday night. They had lots of possession and gave us quite a few scares.
“But we soaked up the pressure and I thought we defended very well throughout the 90 minutes. We also knew that we could capitalise on their errors, and that is exactly what we did. I’m really proud of the boys, it was a tough, tough game, but we got the result.”
A good crowd was in attendance (around 12 000) and there’s no doubt that the Cape derby is a thing again. There was a buzz of anticipation ahead of the game, and the atmosphere and football on the night lived up to expectation.
“The organisation by Ajax on the day and the numbers they brought into the ground augur well for the future of the derby. Hopefully, we’ve put on a spectacle and the game will attract more fans. It’s important to grow the crowd base in the Cape, and both teams can benefit from it,” said Tinkler.
But Tinkler stressed that this was no time for City to rest on their laurels, the hard work was only beginning.
“Yes, we hold the bragging rights now, but things change from season to season,” he said. “We have it now, but next season could be different, that is why we have to keep trying to be better, keep striving to be successful. We’re a new club and that is how we have to keep growing.” CONSISTENCY is the recipe that Kaizer Chiefs are looking to perfect if they are to achieve success this season.
Two players scoring in consecutive games, another picking up the Man-ofthe-match award in successive matches, and the fielding of the same line-up in both outings all point to the key ingredient for success, according to Chiefs coach Steve Komphela.
He was pleased that midfielders Siphiwe Tshabalala and Willard Katsande each scored in Saturday night’s 2-1 win at Maritzburg United, after they also hit the target in last week’s 3-1 home win over Free State Stars. Fellow midfielder George Maluleka was named the star performer for the second game running. “The goals by Shabba and Katsande tells us that they are hitting another leve,” Komphela said.
“It is nice and we expect players to take responsibility and lead from the front. Maluleka getting back-to-back awards is nice and I’m happy for George; I hope he keeps the same standard.
“The award could have gone to Shabba or Katsande, which shows a team effort.”
The victory was Amakhosi’s fourth in a row and took them to second place in the PSL standings behind surprise leaders Cape Town City.
Chiefs will need more of the same if they are to remain in the title hunt, said Komphela, although for the next challenge against relegation-threatened Highlands Park in Durban on Saturday the defence will miss Eric Mathoho who is suspended.
“Consistency means success. If you look at any team in the world that is winning, it comes down to consistency,” Komphela said.
As far as the title race goes, Komphela reckons they have no fixed target. “There are no standards in terms of having to reach this level or that level. We just have to grow and grow, and run our own race,” he said.
“We won’t look at someone else otherwise we’ll neglect our duties.”