Fielies finds his rhythm at City
Defender quick to settle in top flight after NFD stint
While many Premiership players signed from the National First Division this season are still trying to find their feet in the top-flight, Cape Town City defender Taariq Fielies is already one of City’s consistent performers.
Fielies, who joined The Citizens from Milano United and a product of Ajax Cape Town youth academy, has already played 13 matches across all competitions and shown glimpses of brilliance.
He feels City coach Benni McCarthy has made things easier for him.
“For me it was very easy to adapt because of coach Benni. “He showed faith in me from the first day. My dream was always to play in the top league. Now that I got that opportunity, I cannot afford to squander it,” Fielies told Sowetan yesterday.
The 25-year-old centreback scored his maiden goal in City colours in their 1-0 win over Free State Stars last Wednesday – a victory that ended the Capetonians’ four-game winless run.
“I never thought I would score,” said Fielies.
“I did not know how to react and just ran to the coach. We were going through our rough patch and the goal was very crucial to bring us back to winning ways. It felt like we had won a cup final.”
Fielies has been McCarthy’s preferred choice to partner captain Robyn Johannes in the heart of City’s defence with the likes of Tshepo Gumede and Joao Mussica (Jeitoso) dropping to the bench.
“We support each other. Whoever starts knows that he has full support from the boys on the bench. It’s a healthy competition,” he said.