City on fire as they humble Highlands
CAPE TOWN CITY’s second goal in their 3-0 Nedbank Cup victory over Highlands Park was one for the ages.
It turned out to be a fine weekend for Cape football.
Cape Umoya United are into the last eight as well after edging National First Division rivals Mbombela United on penalties (4-2) after the game had ended goalless after extra-time.
But back to that brilliant City goal.
Rightwinger Craig Martin found himself unmarked just outside the right side of the 18-yard area and, after gathering and controlling an attempted clearance, hit a first-time half-volley with his left foot that left Highlands Park’s goalkeeper Marlon Heugh with no chance.
“I never thought Craig had it in him to score a goal like that,” said City coach Benni McCarthy.
“He was one of the players who needed to hear the truth from me at the changeover after not the greatest first-half from us.
“They had to hear what they needed to hear and we had a big fight and he came out and stuck it to me and tells me that’s what you get for taking a dig at me.
“It was a goal worthy of winning any game and I am happy for him.”
There was also reward for captain Thamsanqa Mkhize who got the first score for his second goal of the campaign.
Striker Kermit Erasmus helped set it up and ended up being named Man of the Match. But still no goal for the Bafana Bafana marksman in his fifth appearance although he did again showed deft touches and deliver a number of assists. Highlands knocked themselves out with an own goal.
McCarthy was happy to get through to the next round but still feels his charges aren’t playing to full capacity in both halves.
“We always seem to want to show our best in the second half. Why I don’t know.
“The players should realise what they are playing for and how lucky they are,” he said.
City next assignment is a home PSL clash with bottom-placed Maritzburg United at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.