Poggenpoel expects ‘exciting’ Cape derby as Cape Town City meet Hope FC

Cape Town is preparing for a new football rivalry when Cape Town City host newly-promoted Hope FC in the Cape derby at Athlone Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Former Cape Town Spurs and SuperSport United midfielder Shane Poggenpoel says supporters are looking forward to a fixture that will decide more than just three points, with city supremacy also at stake.

Cape Town City missed out on promotion to the Betway Premiership last season after losing in the promotion/relegation play-offs. Their start to the new Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign has been mixed, with one win, one draw and one defeat from their opening three matches.

Hope FC, meanwhile, have made clear their ambitions since earning promotion. The club have strengthened their squad with experienced players including Miguel Timm, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Keagan Dolly and Lyle Lakay.

They have also added Samkelo Zwane and Naledi Hlongwane on loan from Kaizer Chiefs. The recruitment has increased interest in the meeting, particularly as Hope FC seek to establish themselves in the second tier.

Poggenpoel told KickOff that the fixture has captured the imagination of football fans in the city.

“Obviously it’s going to be very exciting for the people of Cape Town, when was the last time we had a Cape derby? And I think Hope has been doing well under the leadership of Clayton (Daniels), also Cape Town City was close to promotion last year, so I think it’s going to be a good spectacle,” he said.

He believes the playing styles of both sides could produce an entertaining contest, with supporters having waited for a derby of this kind for some time.

“Both teams like to play football, so it should be an exciting one. It’s what Cape Town supporters have been waiting for a while now. Everyone is really excited about the game coming up.”

Daniels leads Hope FC, whose progress has been one of the talking points ahead of the match, while Cape Town City will be aiming to recover from their uneven opening and renew their promotion challenge.

Poggenpoel also hopes both clubs can remain involved in the race to reach the Betway Premiership, although he warned that the Motsepe Foundation Championship can change quickly.

“That’s always the ambition, but the Motsepe Foundation Championship is a very difficult league to play in, one time you are at the bottom and then two wins take you back up,” he added.

“Hopefully both of them can be in the running for the league (promotion). We’re hopeful, we need a team in the PSL from Cape Town, definitely, besides Stellenbosch,” said the former midfielder.