Benni feels no love in Cape
City home game moved to Durbs
Benni McCarthy has laid into the City of Cape Town‚ who he accuses of dishonesty on a “dark day for football” as his Cape Town City side have been forced to play their next home match at Durban’s Princess Magogo Stadium.
McCarthy is incensed that his side will have to take the clash‚ which could see them move top of the Absa Premiership table‚ to another province due to the unavailability of a venue in Cape Town.
“I’ve been away from Cape Town for 21 years and while so much has changed‚ nothing has changed‚” McCarthy said in an open letter.
“It is with great sadness to my players‚ this club‚ our fans‚ and all the football loving people of Cape Town that we must confirm that our upcoming home match versus Maritzburg United will be played away from home‚ in Durban.
“To play that crucial game in the opposition’s province is quite frankly hurtful and embarrassing.
“The Cape
Town Stadium is unavailable due to the setting up of Rugby 7s‚ but we have become accustomed to being removed from Cape Town Stadium for events far less significant.
“It blows my mind how a stadium that only exists because of the Soccer World Cup‚ cannot be reserved for 15 out of 365 days for the City’s premium soccer team.” McCarthy has accused the City of Cape Town of a lack of planning and desire to accommodate the club.
“It’s about planning and willingness – and I cannot believe that our officials cannot see the immense commercial‚ cultural and community impacts that Cape Town City has in this city. The power of football changes lives‚ and brings people together. It is the people’s game. When will Cape Town City have a home?”
He then makes the assertion that the city would have bent over backwards to make sure they had a home if they were a rugby team. “The only way the severity of this treatment can be understood is, ironically, through the eyes of rugby. Imagine the Stormers‚ with a chance to go top of the log‚ were told that they must play their next crucial home game against the Sharks in Durban.” –