Gabriel Amato targets immediate Premiership return with Cape Town City

Cape Town City midfielder Gabriel Amato says securing automatic promotion back to the Premiership is his main objective after relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC).

The Citizens are in their second season in South Africa’s second tier following their demotion at the end of the 2024/25 season. They finished runners-up last term and are now aiming to go one better by winning the title.

“Winning automatic promotion with City is my target, of course,” said Amato. “Even last season our goal was to win the league, so we want to take that one step further this season because we came second last season … we are pushing for that title. We can do it.”

The 20-year-old has been among Cape Town City’s strongest performers since the club dropped into the MFC. The South Africa Under-23 international has welcomed the opportunity to play regularly, although he admits the second tier lacks the glamour of top-flight football.

Amato said he still misses competing in the Premiership but is determined to concentrate on helping City secure promotion rather than dwell on their current situation.

“It’s nice to be playing … I love playing football, so playing week in week out is always fun, but MFC is a tough league,” he said.

“I do miss playing in the Premiership, but I understand that I am where I am, and I can’t think about silly things. I am here, and I just need to keep slogging away in the MFC, although it’s tough sometimes.”

The attacking midfielder believes the demands of the National First Division (NFD) have strengthened the physical side of his game. He has also added more goals and assists to his performances.

“My game has improved on the physical aspect because NFD [National First Division] is a very physical league, and there’s not as much pretty football, especially away from home when it’s hot, and the fans are on you all the time. I am now also getting goals and assists into my game,” Amato said.

MFC fixtures all at 3.30pm

Tomorrow: Lions v Native, Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs; Lerumo v Hope, Dobsonville; Magesi v NWU, Seshego; Midlands v Venda, Mpumalanga; AmaTuks v Leicesterford, Tuks; Orbit v Highbury, Olympia Park.

Sunday: Gomora v Upington, Malamulele; CPT City v Bees, Cape Town.