Ngoma’s return could be the spark City need to get back on top of the rollercoaster
Cape Town City’s talisman THE RETURN of star winger Aubrey Ngoma is good news for Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy – but, at the same time, it leaves him with a difficult dilemma: Does he play Ngoma from the start, or does he opt to use him off the bench and bring the player along slowly?
For McCarthy, this is just one of the challenges he faces as the PSL resumes after the two-week international break and the Telkom Knockout semifinals.
City host PSL log leaders Baroka FC at the Cape Town Stadium tonight (kick-off 6pm) – and the only motivation necessary is that a win will send the Capetonians to the top of the league standings. Considering the rollercoaster season they’ve had, there is certainly merit in that.
The former Bafana Bafana striker kicked off his coaching career rather cosily, but was soon reminded that it’s not all that simple. The challenges always lurk around the next corner. Appointed as City coach in June this year, McCarthy rapidly got going, steering the fledgling PSL club to a spectacular run of victories. But, just as quickly, it all turned, as City plunged to a series of defeats. Before the international break, City managed to right the ship somewhat with a narrow win over Bloemfontein Celtic – but now the challenge, for both club and coach, is to maintain that momentum against Baroka tonight.
The big plus for City, though, is the return of Ngoma. The tricky left-footer was an influential member of the team’s great start in the PSL last season before being struck down by injury while on duty with Bafana Bafana. He hasn’t kicked a ball yet this season, but will be back tonight. Rest assured, once ready, Ngoma will be a big, big player for City as the season progresses. McCarthy, though, will have to make the call on what’s best for the winger.
Also, for McCarthy, the tough times are about to start. From now on, he will be judged. When appointed, he was new and was allowed space to do his thing. Now, a few months into his tenure, he’s had time to adapt. He’s been able to get to know his players, their strengths and weaknesses, and get a feel for coaching in the PSL. Importantly, he has experienced the highs and lows of victory and defeat. It’s time to plough on and plot his and the team’s success.
On November 12, McCarthy celebrated his 40th birthday. In coaching terms, he still has much to learn and plenty of room to grow. They say life begins at 40 – but, as a coach, too, it all begins now for McCarthy. The hype around his presence in the Mother City is over, now it’s time for him to bring consistency to the team while, at the same time, continuing to mature as a coach.
In Baroka tonight, City face a difficult, unpredictable opponent. The Polokwane-based side has surprised all and sundry this season. They struggled towards the basement of the log last season, but have turned things around sensationally during this campaign. A few weeks ago, Baroka knocked City out of the Telkom Knockout, so they won’t be tentative for tonight’s encounter; they know they have it within them to defeat the Cape side.
In addition to Ngoma, the other senior player making his way back from injury is goalkeeper Shu-aib Walters. The 35-year-old last played in the MTN8 final defeat to SuperSport United a month ago. Replacement Sage Stephens hasn’t let the side down and McCarthy also has to decide whether to stick with the incumbent or opt for the returning veteran.
Importantly, though, if City are to emerge victorious tonight, they are going to have improve in attack. McCarthy’s big problem has been getting the team to score goals – ironically, an area of the game where he, himself, as a player, was very strong. Nigerian Victor Obinna is still recovering from injury, which means the onus in attack falls on the shoulders of 31-year-old Lehlohonolo Majoro. But, as McCarthy has often stressed, a football team shouldn’t only rely on a striker to score goals; the City coach wants the entire team to come to the party to make the most of the opportunities.