Cape Town City goalkeeper Hugo Marques seems to have bid farewell to the Mother City with a post on Instagram.
The Angolan posted on his official Instagram page: “The present is hard, but the future is going to be amazing! The show must go on! @Iamcityfc and I will always be.”
His captain Thami Mkhize responded to the post with a heart emoji, to which he replied: “Keep strong, my friend. You are one of the best!”
His Portuguese-speaking former teammate Edmilson Dove who recently joined Kaizer Chiefs, also commented: “Vamoooossss Papi os bons Dias estao chengando” [Go well, sir, the good days are coming.”
His response read: “Boa sorte no novo desafio, que corra pelo melhor.” [Good luck with your new challenge, may it go well]. He was seemingly referring to Dove’s recent move to Amakhosi.
FARPost on Monday evening reported that the Portugal-born goalie had requested to be released by the club, citing a pressing family matter.
City seems to have ceded to his request, allowing the 36-year-old to leave after Saturday’s 2-1 loss to AmaZulu.
This publication can confirm that the 36-year-old was not part of training on Monday when the team regrouped after the weekend loss.
The club’s 2021/22 player of the season and DStv Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season 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 comes at a time the club is preparing for the CAF Champions League. The Citizens finished second last season and are set to play in the Champions League.
City have the experienced Darren Keet as cover and looks set to bring back Bongani Mpandle, who had left the club in frustration at the end of the season.
