Citizens aiming to go all the way

Keeper says home clash with Park will be treated like a cup final

CAPE Town City’s Dutch goalkeeper Peter Leeuwenburgh enjoys cup competition and his heroics helped his side to the MTM8 trophy last year.

The big shot-stopper pulled off two crucial saves in the penalty shootout to deny SuperSport United a successful title defence.

The 24-year-old has carried that kind of form into 2019 with few goals conceded in the Premier Soccer League and last month produced a number of jaw-dropping saves to pave the way for a 1-0 home win over Kaizer Chiefs.

Right now he’s focused on today’s Nedbank Cup tie against Highlands Park at Cape Town Stadium (8pm kick-off), with the victors progressing to the quarter-finals.

“We’re back to cup mode and will treat the game against Park as a cup final,” said Leeuwenburgh.

“It’s another chance to show we are a good team. Yes, Park did beat us 2-0 two months ago on their home field, but this time we have home advantage and it means a different pitch that suits our game, a different vibe with our supporters shouting us on, so expect us to rise to the challenge and deliver a telling effort.

“The view I have from the back watching us playing good football is an enjoyable sight,” he added.

“We create so many half chances and chances to score goals and should have sewn up games that we haven’t, but we continue trying and know we can produce at any time.

“There is no reason why we can’t score goals against Park, who, it must be said, are in good form as shown by their 2-1 victory over PSL leaders Wits.”

The Citizens go into the game off a 1-0 league defeat away to AmaZulu.

It was a game they should have put to bed in the first half, such was the goal scoring chances they created. Striker Kermit Erasmus had a chance to score from the penalty spot early on, but he fired low and straight at the goalkeeper, who made and easy save.

The outcome did little to dampen the spirits of City coach Benni McCarthy.

“It was probably one of the best performances from the team, we just never capitalised on our opportunities,” he said. “We now line up against Park and I’m hoping for a big crowd to help us roll them over.

“I see from my players how better they go about their business when the fans arrive in big number and create the vibe and give the love which rubs off on them and motivates them to give of their best.

“No revenge in mind for us after Park ended our three-game league winning streak. On that day in Tembisa we never played our best football, the players knew that at the time, and now have a chance to show it was an off-day at the office.

“If Park think they are going to come to us and win 2-0 again, let me say that it’s best we wait to see what the final score will be. Our aim is to go all the way in this competition and qualify for African football next year, which should tell you how I see things panning out.”