Ex-Cape Town City keeper breaks silence on his shock departure
Angolan goalkeeper Hugo Marques has finally broken silence surrounding his shock departure from Cape Town City FC a fortnight ago.
In an exclusive interview with FARPost from Angola, Marques was diplomatic when asked to disclose the actual reasons that influenced his abrupt decision.
“Lies, inside problems and family problems. I can only say that,” he said.
The goalkeeper, who has signed for Angola’s Girabola league champions Petro de Luanda, did not explain who made the lies, where, when and what he meant by ‘inside problems.’
On another note, City’s 2021/22 DStv Goalkeepeer of the Season said he had no doubt that he left his mark in South Africa football fraternity and at Cape Town City in particular.
“I will remember Cape Town for the people, the passion of the football we play and the best season of the club in history! And my name will carry on for a long time,” he said.
The Portugal-born keeper was referring to the Citizens’ best-ever second-place finish last season in the DStv Premiership.
FARPost broke the news that the Angolan goalie had requested to be released by the club, citing a pressing family matter.
City ceded to his request, allowing the 36-year-old to leave after the 2-1 loss to AmaZulu two weeks ago.
He had penned a one-year extension at the end of last season.
The new contract, which would have kept him until June 2023, came after a memorable maiden season in which he kept 14 clean sheets in 27 outings.
His decision to leave came at a time the club is preparing for the CAF Champions League preliminary round matches.
The Eric Tinkler’s men have been drawn against AS Otoho D’Oyo from Congo Brazzaville.
The overall winner between Cape Town City v D’Oyo will date either Black Bulls of Mozambique or Petro Atletico from Angola.
First round games will take place at home on the weekend of September 9, then away on the weekend of 16, 2022.
This will be followed by the second-round matches scheduled for the weekend of October 7 at home and October 14 in the reverse fixture.
Cape Town City have since made experienced Darren Keet as number one choice between the sticks after he lost the position to the Angolan following an injury.