Classy Dove to keep it tight against Stars

CAPE TOWN CITY’S hot form of late in the PSL is keeping pace-setters Mamelodi Sundowns on their toes.

City, who are second on the table, have won their last three fixtures on the trot including a 1-0 victory over Sundowns, to end last year off on a high.

The two sides are currently separated by four points, this after Sundowns, in their first-round catch-up game, edged hosts Ajax Cape Town 2-1 at the Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday evening.

City coach Benni McCarthy gave his side the day off yesterday for them to recharge their batteries ahead of a bus trip to the Free State this afternoon.

The Cape side tackle Free State Stars on Saturday with the aim of making it a season double over their hosts, who occupy third place spot on the log, two points adrift of City.

Players returning for City are midfielder Mpho Matsi, winger Craig Martin and striker Judas Mosemedi, giving rookie coach McCarthy food for thought.

He felt his charges were good in the previous round’s 1-0 victory over a plucky but struggling Platinum Stars, who, after their latest setback, are fourth from bottom.

That’s who relegation-threatened Ajax Cape Town play next in the Mother City – both these sides have only three wins to their names from 16 outings, making it a tough one to call.

“I think we played very well against Stars, especially in the second half.

“We restricted them from creating too many chances, our backline were outstanding,” said McCarthy.

“To keep another clean sheet is a very positive sign for us.

Not making the trip up north to face Stars is Ebrahim Seedat. His wife is expecting to give birth any day.

That opened the door for Edmilson Dove, 23, to replace him at left-back and he had a cracking outing which earned him plaudits from the coach.

“Edmilson’s chance to play in the starting XI delivered a performance he can be proud of,” McCarthy said.

“So he starts against Stars and expect him to shine again and make life difficult for the home side’s attackers.

“He is a solid defender and able to help nullify aerial threats.

“And he is solid in one-on-one situations.”

“It’s nice to be back in the team,” said Dove.

“I made some mistakes… but Benni is a coach who’s always willing to help you grow, and that keeps me on my toes.

“Now for our next challenge and we want to make it four consecutive wins in the league, but we will have to work our socks off to beat a rival who, like us, is challenging strongly for title honours.”