Share

City out to redeem themselves against Celtic

Cape Town - Losing MTN8 finalists Cape Town City will be out to redeem themselves when they welcome Bloemfontein Celtic to Athlone Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Midfield hard-man Mpho Matsi picked up his fourth booking of the season in the penalty shootout defeat to SuperSport United in Durban on Saturday.

City coach Benni McCarthy may also elect to give some of those who suffered defeat in KwaZulu-Natal a rest, especially after the heavy underfoot conditions saw several players, including goal-scorer Sibusiso Khumalo, suffering hamstring and various other complaints.

McCarthy chalked off Saturday's defeat in what was his first managerial final, as a 'learning experience'.

"I think the best way of learning and growing as coaches is when you do taste defeat as much as you don't like to admit it," he said.

The Citizens certainly still have plenty to play for in the league, occupying third spot in the standings after six matches.

"When you lose I think it's how well you pick yourself up and how well you can get your players to switch on now and just push forward. That's going to be a challenge," McCarthy added.

Celtic, meanwhile, have taken four points from their last two outings to move up the table to seventh, just three points behind City. 

And having beaten defending champions Bidvest Wits in their last game, Phunya Sele Sele, who have the likes of Roggert Nyundu and Ndumiso Mabena in good scoring form, may well fancy their chances at taking all three points from a City side who may still be suffering from a bit of post-final hangover.

Kick off is at 19:30.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE