The Big Interview: Hashim Domingo

Hashim Domingo is back home in South Africa after signing for Cape Town City from Morocco’s Raja Casablanca, where he had a horror time despite his side winning the league. He had left after a successful spell at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he won three league winners’ medals plus an MTN8 winners’ medal in 2021. But his time in Morocco was marred by non-payment of his salary, frustrating the 28-year-old.

How has the pre-season gone for you?

“I think it's been good. The team itself welcomed all the new players like myself. They're all very warm. And yeah, I think we’re excited, you know, and just looking forward to getting the MTN8 started and then the league.”

City have bought a few midfielders for the new season, have you felt that the combinations have potential?

“No, I think we are really jelling all together. Everyone is excited. But I think we just have to stick to the coach's plans and work as a team. I don't feel like there are any individuals. It's more a collective thing, you know, everyone's excited to get out there.”

Do you bring more experience from your time at Raja?

“That is a book that I've closed. And I don't want to open that book again. It's an experience that I went through and I just want to leave it in the past. I don't want to get into that.”

What about your personal ambitions for the season?

“Obviously, when it comes to the Bafana, I would like to tick that box. But I'll just take it one game at a time. My focus now is just to play ,to continue working hard and just not lose the love of the game. You know, I felt like I lost it over the previous year over on that side (Morocco). I just want to try to enjoy my football again. I think then everything else will fall into place.”

Does it help being back in your home town?

“Most definitely. It's been 11 years since I've been in Cape Town so it does help. I feel at home, I am at home. Also the club, the way it's run, really makes it easy. So I think it's a good thing for me as well. I knew the chairman, we were together at Ajax Cape Town but I’m really, really honoured to be here and excited.

 A lot of my decision to sign was based on the style of play. You know, the team even sometimes when behind, they stick to the game plan and that's keeping the ball. It suits me well, I'm not a player that's physical, I’m more a technical player. So that just suits me well, that's why I chose City.”

You have had two spells overseas, is that something all South Africans should strive for to become better players?

“Most definitely. I think going overseas brings in the discipline aspect to your gamer, where I feel in South Africa, we lack that. When I say discipline, it's more of a technical discipline. In South Africa, we’re similar to the Brazilians where we showcase our talent, but we move all over the field and I think going to Europe that's given me the discipline you know to stay in my zones, and it took my game up to the next level.”

What is the potential for Cape Town City this season?

“Listen, I'm a winner. So I would like to go all the way whether it's the MTN8 or competing for the league. With regards to the team, I think we can do well with the balance of experience and youngsters coming through, because we have some good youngsters. I think we can compete.”