Squad imbalance, poor management decisions saw Cape Town City relegated

CAPE Town City FC’s stint in the top-flight Premiership came to a catastrophic end following a 1-0 defeat against Orbit College in a PSL promotion/relegation playoff clash on Wednesday.

- HERMAN GIBBS

Players were left in shock as disbelief swept through the squad after the final whistle, their dreams of remaining in the Premiership dashed in a match that epitomised their struggles this season.

Cape Town City, historically a formidable presence by finishing in the top eight for each of their previous eight seasons, found themselves failing to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

In what is a seismic shift in South African football, the club’s catastrophic fall to the First Division marks a spectacular decline for a team that was once a formidable presence in South African football.

This season's results contrast starkly with City’s notable achievements, such as winning the 2016 Telkom Knockout, the 2018 MTN8, and finishing runners-up in the 2021-22 season behind perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Wednesday’s defeat, which resulted from a performance devoid of the necessary grit and determination, has left fans and analysts questioning the heart and character of the squad.