City boss calls for venue revue
Comitis says neutral grounds don’t help ‘build the brand’
CAPE TOWN City are happy to contest the MTN8 final against SuperSport United at the Moses Mabhida in Durban on Saturday – but club boss John Comitis, outspoken as always, has suggested the PSL re-think the concept of neutral venues for cup finals.
The City owner is of the opinion that football in South Africa is not ready for it. His question is: how is a club to grow its brand under such circumstances?
Saturday’s final is a repeat of last year’s when SuperSport defeated City on penalties, also at Moses Mabhida. To cite another example is that last season’s curtain-closer, the Nedbank Cup final, was played between Free State Stars and Maritzburg United, with the two teams having to travel all the way to the Cape Town Stadium. For Comitis, because of the nature of football in South Africa, neutral venues do the clubs no favours at all.
“Ultimately, though, I’d like to see cup finals in the PSL played at the venues of one of the two finalists, where the luck of the draw plays a role in who gets home advantage. On Saturday, we are servicing football fans but not the supporters of the two clubs involved. Yes, there will be a small contingent travelling to Durban for the final, but that’s not ideal.
“The two clubs have made the final, but their fans are not reaping the benefit. Even if one of the finalists has to travel to the home base of the other, this is a cup final and a team needs no other motivation; so that’s not really an issue.
“I think football is missing a moment. The question we have to ask, especially in the PSL where many of the clubs are struggling to build their clubs and their brands, is: are we mature enough a league for neutral venues? For example, imagine City had won the draw to play this final at home, I promise you we would have been able to fill Cape Town Stadium. Now imagine what that would mean to us as a young club? I’m sure the same goes for SuperSport…”
Notwithstanding his thoughts on the venue, Comitis was confident of City putting up a good show.
“The second half comeback against Orlando Pirates last week was a moment to build on,” said Comitis. “The team showed great character to fight back from 2-0 down at halftime. It’s something to take to heart as we prepare for the final.
“Looking at the final last season, when we lost on penalties to SuperSport, we know the pain of not winning a final. I’m sure the players will be motivated to get the right result this time. We’ve already beaten SuperSport in the league this season – but, more importantly, we want to go out and do this for the people of Cape Town.”
City are only in their third season as a PSL club, and have already made it to three cup finals. For Comitis, it’s a clear case of the club having already over-achieved: “The actual result is all about what happens on the day. So, if you ask me if we have achieved above what we expected in our three seasons, I have to say it has been a welcome surprise.”
City’s latest high profile capture, Bafana striker Tokelo Rantie, has not, as yet, seen any action. But, indications are, the Cape side could unleash him in Saturday’s final.
“Rantie arrived unfit, but he has been working very hard over the last few weeks,” said Comitis.