Why CT City have fallen behind Stellies in challenging for PSL honors

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Aubrey Ngoma has shared his thoughts on why his former team, Cape Town City FC, has fallen behind city rivals Stellenbosch FC in fighting for honours in the PSL.

Cape Town City last won a trophy in 2018 when they accounted for the MTN8 titleunder the guidance of coach Benni McCarthy. They were runners-up in 2017 and 2021 in the same competition, respectively.

Since then, they have lost steam with their city rivals, Stellenbosch, rising to be a top contender in all competitions in the PSL.

Under Steve Barker, Stellies have grown to be giant slayers. Last season, they won their first top-flight trophy, the Carling Knockout Cup in its first edition,

This season, they reached the MTN8 final, where they unfortunately lost to Soweto giants Orlando Piratesmost recently in Durban.

However, both CT City and Stellies started the new 2024/25 Betway Premiership season slowly, with one win, one draw and a loss, respectively, in three games. CT City are below Stellies on the log table due to an inferior goal difference.

Cape Town City FC players during training. Photo by Cape Town City

NGOMA ON WHY CT CITY HAS FALLEN BEHIND STELLENBOSCH

As such, Ngoma, who contributed 18 goals and 24 assists in over 100 matches for CT City, is worried about how they handled their affairs in past seasons.

In an interview with FARPost, Ngoma said: “The last seasons have not been good for Cape Town City. They are a good and big team that should be winning and challenging [for trophies] like Stellenbosch.

“From the way I see it, I think it’s because they failed to manage their squad in terms of mixing young and senior players.

“You want to have a young squad, but senior players with experience are needed to guide the young ones, especially in the midfield.

“This season, they added good players who I think bring something special, stability to the team. In each team, stability is the most important aspect,” added Ngoma.

Ahead of the 2024/25 season, the Citizens added Angolan midfielder Carlinhos, Hasheem Domingo from Raja Casablanca and Kayden Francis from Chippa United.

They also pinned down midfielders Kamohelo Mokotjo and Fortune Makaringe as free agents after they left Sekhukhune United and Orlando Pirates respectively. Goalkeeper Elson Sithole, Prince Tjiueza, Amadou Soukouna and Lefa Aphane are among their additions.

Meanwhile, they let go of Brice Ambina, Jo Paciencia, Khanya Leshabela, and Relebogile Mokhuoane. Striker Khanyisa Mayo left the club to join CR Belouizdad.

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