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Ambitious Citizens want to play like Man City and Liverpool

Cape Town - Cape Town City players have set their sights on playing the kind of football played by the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool in the English Premier League.

READ: Benni sets sights on R15 million prize money for CT City

City advanced to the quarter-final stages of the Nedbank Cup last Friday after a 3-0 victory over Highlands Park at Cape Town Stadium.

The Citizens were poor in the first half and did not score but came to life after coach Benni McCarthy gave them a tongue-lashing at the break.

Thami Mkhize got the first before Craig Martin struck a wonder goal to add a second. Meanwhile, hapless goalkeeper Marlon Heugh scored an own goal as a back-pass dribbled over his foot and into the back of the net.

Speaking to reporters, McCarthy said: "Maybe they enjoy a foot up their backsides before they want to play. We saw again in the 3-0 Nedbank Cup home win over Highlands (Park) a first half where we battled to execute the tactics and nearly paid for it.

"They come in at half-time and I have to be honest and tell them this is not the way I train them to play. I hear them talk about how they want to play like Manchester City and Liverpool, and they can, but not if they don't emulate what they see and do it on a consistent basis.

"I give them the truth and then they go out and play. They pass the ball quicker, open up spaces and produce exhibition football. Game over."

Adding of Martin's Goal-of-the-Season Contender, he concluded: "Craig comes from Kensington and to score a goal like that for us was special.

"We had words at the break and he came out and stuck it to me and tells me that's what you get for taking a dig at me. It was a goal worthy of winning any game and I am happy for him."

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