The players know this very well
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On the upcoming, highlyanticipated Ikapa Derby
Cape Town City v Cape Town Spurs promises to be an interesting game because these are two different teams with two different philosophies. These teams are coached by two respected former players, Shaun Bartlett and Eric Tinkler, who have deep-rooted knowledge of the game and understand what is at stake. But unfortunately for them, they are not in a good space right now in terms or results. Since getting promoted at the beginning of the season, Spurs have played six matches and lost all of them. On the other hand, Cape Town City have lost the last five league matches (and six if you include the MTN8 quarterfinal match against K aizer Chiefs). But none of that will matter when the match starts on Saturday. This is a Cape Town derby and I know what it means because I have played for both teams. Going to such a big game, the form book will be thrown out of the window. This is all about who will win the Cape Town bragging rights when the final whistle is blown at the end of the match. Both teams have their pride at stake and the players know this very well. When it comes to such games, players motivate themselves – this match is for the players and I have no doubt that they will take it upon them to deliver.
On how the Citizens are shaping up
If you look at Cape Town City, they are more experienced and they have never suffered relegation. They have a good mix of young and experienced players. They have also made some good signings during the transfer window. The new players are adding value to the club. Cape Town City started the season with two wins but unfortunately lost to Chiefs in the MTN8. I’m sure that coach Eric Tinkler wanted to win that game not only for the club but to build the momentum of the team. Maybe getting knocked out of the MTN8 early might have given them more time to focus on the league matches and see what they need to do in order to get themselves in a better position. Tinkler is experienced enough to understand what to do going forward. He has experienced players in his team that can help going to such a crucial game this coming weekend. I don’t think the defeat against Chiefs in the MTN8 made such a negative impact, but it could have been better if they had won it. They have boosted their technical team by bringing in Lebogang Manyama as an assistant to Tinkler. Manyama’s presence in the Cape Town City dressing room is a morale booster for the players.
On the struggles of Bartlett’s team
Despite losing all the matches since getting promoted last season, I still believe that Spurs has a good and balanced team. They have young players and it’s just a matter of finding the right combination before results start coming. But to be quite honest, I don’t know what they are really doing on a day-to-day basis to change things around, but obviously they have a good technical team. Shaun is not there working on his own, he has a good technical team around him, from Nasief Morris and Calvin Marlin, who are former players and people who understand the club very well. Both Nasief and Calvin have been in the league for a long time and played the game, they have massive experience between the two of them. But sometimes it happens in football that you get a bad start at the beginning of the season, but that doesn’t mean they are not capable of turning things around. Coming from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, it’s different to the DStv Premiership, but I’m sure they know that and they also know what they are doing. Let’s hope that they will soon start getting results that will change their season for the better.
On key players to look out for
From the Cape Town City side, they have a lot of players who can turn things around and win the game for them and, overall, they have a good, quality team. There is Tshegofatso
Nyama who plays in defence, there is Thabiso K utumela who has experience and is capable of creating goals. Brice Ambina in midfield has been very impressive from the first match of the season. The experience of Thato Mokeke will help them a lot in breaking down the opposition attack. From Spurs’ side, there is K haya Mfecane – he is a great player and I like him a lot. He is a top and versatile player and someone we must look out for in future. He started the season very well. Asanele Velebhayi is a good midfielder and has featured a lot for them this season. He is a good winger who can eliminate players. Chumani Butsaka from Langa township is another player for the future. He was in demand during the recent transfer window, a lot of the big clubs in South Africa wanted to sign him and that tells you how good he is. A lot has been said about Chumani and he has yet to show his true potential. These are the players who will not only do well this coming weekend, these are the players for the future in South African football.
On his prediction
Well, if I have to pick one team that will win the match, I have to go with Cape Town City. In my opinion, Cape Town City have the players and experience to deal with pressure of playing in this league. Cape Town City has a better chance to win the game.
A very humble and reserved individual, Serame Letsoaka is one of those I feel are not celebrated enough. I spent a lot of time with this man in the national team and during the coaching licences classes. He always engages with people, but he’s a naturally quiet person who doesn’t always have much to say. I wouldn’t say he’s shy but a well-calculated individual. He understands the game so much and, if you want to take your football knowledge to the next level, this is someone you want to spend a lot of time with. I’m fortunate to have had the opportunities to share and gain knowledge from him. I am so grateful for everything he’s done for me. The man doesn’t even know how much of an impact he’s had in my coaching career after I hung up my boots. He’s one of the guys I take my hat off to because he really impacted my career so positively. I still wonder why we are not giving this man a platform to come up with something that will make all of us proud? We are slowly but surely going down the drain and it is people like Serame that can help us. To you, my brother, thank you for everything you’ve done for me and I had no idea you would shape my coaching career the way you have. From being an opponent, a teammate, an instructor and now a colleague has been a wonderful journey that we’ve travelled together and I really appreciate you. I will always cherish and respect you for all you’ve done for me and the Beautiful Game.