Cape Town City FC have suffered a major blow as one of their new signings has been ruled out for an extended period due to a serious injury sustained during training.
The club confirmed the disappointing development on Friday, wishing the player a swift recovery as the highly-anticipated Betway Premiership season looms large.
Despite the injury setback CT City can draw positives from their strong start to the 2024/25 season. In their opening match of the MTN8 last weekend, five of the club’s 10 new signings made their debuts, including Haashim Domingo, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Fortune Makaringe, and Prins Tjiueza.
CT City’s performance saw them walk away with a narrow 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United and book a place in the semi-finals, where they will face Orlando Pirates. The new signings’ contributions were instrumental in securing the Sekhukhune victory.
CAPE TOWN CITY FC’s LATEST ACQUISITION SIDELINED BY INJURY
Angolan midfielder Carlinhos will miss the first half of the season due to a knee injury, the club announced. He was not included in the matchday squad for CT City’s season opener against Sekhukhune.
Carlinhos joined CT City in July as a free agent after his contract with Angola giants Petro Luanda expired on June 30.
While the 29-year-old was expected to be a key player for the team this season, the club boasts a solid midfield, including veterans Thabo Nodada and Mokotjo.
“Carlinhos has suffered a knee injury, which will see him miss the first half of the season,” reads the club statement. “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Carlinhos.”
In central midfield, where Carlinhos plays, CT City also have Luyolo Slatsha, Taahir Goedeman, and Luphumlo Sifumba as options.
Prior to Carlinhos’ injury, head coach Eric Tinkler believed the club had signed enough players for the new campaign and didn’t anticipate needing to make further additions.
However, the injury to Carlinhos might change Tinkler’s perspective, as he also stated that he would only consider signing additional players if one of his current players were to leave the club in the current transfer window, set to close on 20 September 2024.
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