Veteran midfielder Cole Alexander has spoken out on Cape Town City FC’s impressive surge in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, insisting that the club’s immediate fightback is exactly what football in the Mother City needs.
The former Hellenic FC, Ajax Cape Town and Vasco da Gama midfielder says CT City’s efforts are helping put Cape football back on the map.
The Citizens suffered a shock relegation from the Betway Premiership last season, losing in the PSL Relegation/Promotional Play-offs to Orbit College FC.
While most clubs have needed a second or third season to start competing for the MFC title for a straight return, CT City have delivered an immediate challenge.
Following a rocky start to life in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Jan Vreman’s charges have found their rhythm and currently occupy fifth spot—trailing leaders Milford FC by just three points with eight games remaining in the campaign.
COLE ALEXANDER: ‘IT WAS HARD TO BELIEVE CAPE TOWN CITY COULD BE RELEGATED’
“It was hard to fathom that a club like Cape Town City could be relegated,” Alexander told FARPost. “However, seeing them challenge for the Motsepe Foundation Championship title in their debut season is incredible. They’ve proven they are genuine contenders.
“Credit to the structure of the club and the head coach who came in. It is not easy to get points like that in your first season in a country and in a tough league like that. They had a very tough start, but the confidence from inside, when I spoke to people in the camp, they are all very positive. It is not a surprise they turned it around.”
The former Polokwane City FC, Bidvest Wits, SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder added: “They have hit another rocky path now, but they are still in a great position. They’ve already shown they can move out of a slump. I spoke to Lebogang Manyama; they all say the environment is inspiring.”
‘I WANT TO ENCOURAGE COACHES IN CAPE TOWN’
“Cape Town football needs CT City to come back. I also want to encourage coaches in Cape Town to keep working. Many aspire to move to Joburg,” Alexander continued.
“I actually believe that Cape Town has big opportunities. It may look like Cape football has fallen, but the coaches have an opportunity to make the city great again. I want to encourage youth and senior coaches to stick it out.
“And then to the young players with dreams, enjoy the game, but do not make it your only hope. Football is not the only way out of a hard life in Cape Town. There are other ways to escape the drugs and gangs. Not everyone is going to make it, irrespective of talent. I believe people in leadership roles should highlight this reality,” Alexander concluded.
Next up for the Citizens is a crucial home encounter against struggling Black Leopards. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, 7 April, at Athlone Stadium, with kickoff set for 15:00.
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