Erasmus’s absence will not weaken City, says skipper
Cape Town City skipper Thamsanqa Mkhize says top goal scorer Kermit Erasmus’s absence for their Absa Premiership game against Chippa United at the Athlone Stadium (6pm) on Saturday will not weaken the team’s groove.
The Citizen’s media officer, Julian Bailey, confirmed to The Herald on Tuesday that the Port Elizabeth-born striker will miss Saturday’s showdown.
Erasmus is battling with a left hamstring injury that caused him to miss last Wednesday’s goalless draw with Bloemfontein Celtic.
He did return for Saturday’s home clash against Highlands Park‚ but had to go off after just 17 minutes when the injury flared up again at the end of a sprint towards goal.
Though he would have loved to have the presence of the skilful striker on Saturday, Mkhize said the team were in high spirits ahead on their clash against Chippa despite the disappointing news.
“I do not say Erasmus’s injury will have an effect on the team because we have many capable players who can play in that position,” the 31-yearold right-back said.
“He has been great this season, but there are players waiting on the sidelines for an opportunity to play.”
After failing to collect a point in their last three matches, City will be looking to end their winless run when they host the Chilli Boys.
The Cape Town side have not had it easy since the departure of coach Benni McCarthy.
The last time City tasted victory was when they beat Polokwane City 5-3 in November.
Since then, coach Jan Olde Riekerink’s troops have been struggling to grind out muchneeded points.
City are 11th on the log, with 13 points from 13 games.
“The team is looking good, and we are looking forward for Saturday’s game against Chippa United.
“We are hopeful this time that we will be able to win this game, because it’s very important to finish our first round of the league on a high note.
“The most important thing is staying positive and to do everything that we have said at training.
“We need to keep that positive vibe in the team, and hopefully the results will come and we will start winning again.”
Chippa will go into the match oozing confidence, after going unbeaten for three matches.
In doing so, Norman Mapeza’s troops have managed to collect seven points in their last three games.
Despite the good run, the Chilli Boys are still at the bottom of the log table, with 11 points from 13 matches.
They are only a point away from safety.
Mkhize also acknowledged their opponent’s good deed.
“I am expecting a tough game against Chippa,” he said.
“They have been on a good note, and they have been winning games.
“So they will come here with a positive mindset and wanting to win again.
“So for us the most important thing is to make sure that we win our games at home.
“It’s vital that whenever we play at home we collect maximum points.”