Mkhize surprised by City’s bubble rejuvenation
Cape side found form to secure top six berth
The performance of Cape Town City during the Premier Soccer League (PSL) “bio-bubble” has surprised defender Thamasanqa Mkhize.
City were one of the best performing teams in the bubble, having collected 15 points off a possible 21 following five victories and two defeats.
It was because of that form that saw them finish in the top eight (6th) with 42 points from 30 matches.
During the bubble, City also recorded victories against big teams Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
“I won’t lie to you. I was a bit surprised. I’m not saying I’m undermining our talent,” Mkhize told Sowetan.
“I knew that we had talent but the commitment the players showed, whether we played against big teams like Sundowns or against small teams, players wanted to fight for all the points that we can collect.
“For me, I was impressed with the turnaround after the lockdown.”
Before the PSL was forced into a recess by the coronavirus, the Citizens were struggling and languishing in the lower-table, not far from relegation.
But through the bubble they qualified for the top eight and Mkhize has credited the work his side put in during the lockdown.
“For me, I think it is the time we spent while we were in lockdown and the effort the guys put in while they were doing individual training. I think that commitment from the players was seeing off in that bubble,” Mkhize said.
“I just feel like if we can keep that momentum even when we begin the new season and make sure we play the way we played after lockdown, I feel like the club stands a chance of achieving a lot more.”
While the bubble was also good for teams such as SuperSport United, Bloemfontein Celtic, Stellenbosch, Black Leopards and AmaZulu, it was devastating for others.
For a team like Golden Arrows, it was a disaster as they ended without a victory and failed to finish in the top eight.
Before the lockdown, they were in the top eight but went on to lose five and draw two in their seven matches. Maritzburg United also didn’t have a good time in the bubble, having failed to win a match in their six fixtures. They lost three and drew three.
Some bubble facts: Celtic were the only team that was not beaten in the bubble in the league matches. They won two and drew five in their seven matches. They only lost in the final of the Nedbank Cup on Saturday to Sundowns. Golden Arrows and Polokwane City never won a match in the bubble.
Kaizer Chiefs won only two matches, against Polokwane and Chippa. Sundowns won two titles in the bubble (league and the Nedbank Cup)
‘‘ Players wanted to fight for all the points