Cape Town City emerge as early promotion contenders after unbeaten run

Cape Town City have responded to last season’s difficult opening in the Motsepe Foundation Championship by making a strong start this campaign and establishing themselves as early favourites for automatic promotion to the Betway Premiership.

The Citizens failed to win any of their first six matches last season. This time, they have gone seven games without defeat after losing only their opening fixture, a 2-1 away defeat by Real Native at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.

After eight matches, Cape Town City have collected 17 points and sit three points behind leaders Magesi FC. The leaders are the only unbeaten side in the league.

A number of factors have contributed to City’s improved beginning, with their attacking output standing out.

Goals shared across the team

Cape Town City are the league’s leading scorers, having found the net 14 times in eight matches. Their goals have been spread among several players, including Gabriel Amato, Kayden Francis, Rai Vloet, Cheswyn Philander, Emile Witbooi and Prins Tjiueza.

They have also been particularly effective away from home, scoring eight of their 14 goals on the road. That record gives them the most productive attack in the division.

Amato has continued to add goals to his game and has increasingly tested goalkeepers with efforts from distance. Francis has provided both goals and assists, while Dhakier Lee, the national under-23 midfielder, has impressed with his maturity in midfield.

Established players making an impact

Micky Van Der Hart, last season’s goalkeeper of the season, has produced several important saves during the campaign.

In defence, Luis Suarez and Lorenzo Gordinho have developed a dependable centre-back partnership. Their performances have helped provide a platform for a side that has made a significantly better start than it did last season.

City’s improved form has also been supported by contributions from players brought in to strengthen the squad.

New signings contribute

Rai Vloet was handed the number 10 shirt and has already begun to meet the expectations that came with it. The Dutch midfielder has scored three goals this season and has become an important part of Cape Town City’s attacking play.

Thabang Rakwena, who joined from Real Native FC, formerly known as Casric Stars, is gradually settling into the team.

Philander has also made an impression since arriving, scoring two goals so far. Alongside Vloet, his contribution has added to the variety of attacking options available to the Citizens.

With seven matches unbeaten and 17 points from their opening eight fixtures, Cape Town City have quickly moved to the front of the promotion race after learning from last season’s slow start.