Cape Town City sign Mfundo Thikazi as promotion push gathers pace

Cape Town City have signed winger Mfundo Thikazi from Casric Stars as they strengthen their squad for the new Motsepe Foundation Championship season and renew their bid to return to the Betway Premiership.

The Citizens confirmed the arrival of the 27-year-old on Monday morning. Thikazi previously played for Richards Bay FC and Royal AM before joining Casric Stars in January this year after leaving the “Natal Rich Boyz”.

His arrival gives Cape Town City further attacking experience and creativity as they attempt to secure automatic promotion to South Africa’s top flight. The club narrowly missed out on promotion last season after a series of setbacks late in the campaign.

Cape Town City announced the deal on their official channels, welcoming their latest recruitment.

“Cape Town City is pleased to announce the signing of Mfundo Thikazi. He joins the Citizens ahead of the new season. Let’s make it special, Mfundo,” the club stated.

Thikazi is the fifth confirmed addition made by Cape Town City during the current transfer window. The club have also signed defender Parsley Fielies, Bolivian defender Marcelo Suarez, former Bafana Bafana international Thabang Monare and Dutch midfielder Rai Vloet.

The Mother City club have also reshaped their squad by allowing several players to leave. Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Keagan Dolly, defender Njabulo Ngcobo, Bosnian forward Dzenan Zajmovic, left-back Sifiso Ngobeni and midfielder Siphamandla Dondolo have all parted company with Cape Town City.

Jaedin Rhodes, another important attacking player, has moved to Europe after signing for Austrian Bundesliga side SV Ried.

Cape Town City’s recruitment drive follows a disappointing end to the 2025/26 season, when they came close to winning promotion but ultimately fell short.

The Citizens finished second in the Motsepe Foundation Championship with 54 points from 30 matches. Kruger United claimed the automatic promotion place after ending the regular season at the top of the standings with 62 points.

Cape Town City then had another opportunity to reach the top flight through the PSL Promotional/Relegation Playoffs. However, they finished bottom of the three-team mini-league and failed to win the promotion place.

The club collected four points from their four playoff matches, ending their hopes of returning to the Betway Premiership for another season.

Thikazi’s experience will now form part of Cape Town City’s attempt to avoid another late disappointment. The club will hope their latest signings can provide greater depth and attacking quality as they pursue a stronger campaign in the second tier and target an immediate return to South Africa’s elite division.