Cape Town City interim coach Muhsin Ertugral believes things are starting to come together tactically and technically for the team as they prepare to take on Magesi at the Seshego Stadium on Saturday, February 8.
Kick-off is at 7.30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM:
Ertugral has picked up 10 points out of a possible 21 in the Betway Premiership since taking over the reins from Eric Tinkler, who mutually agreed to part ways with the club on December 31.
The Citizens saw their perfect home record under the Turkish tactician come to an end on Wednesday as they played out to a 1-1 draw with Golden Arrows at Athlone Stadium.
The stalemate left City winless in their last two league outings after they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of TS Galaxy three days earlier and they remain unmoved in sixth place, one point behind Kaizer Chiefs (5th) and one ahead of Stellenbosch (7th), Arrows (8th) and AmaZulu (9th).
Dikwena tsa Meetse seem destined for a swift return to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, having recorded just one win from their opening 15 matches.
The 2024 Carling Knockout champions extended their winless run to 12 games with a 4-1 reverse against Chippa United on Wednesday which sees them still rooted to the foot of the table on eight points.
Royal AM's predicament could offer them a lifeline, although Magesi need to start getting positive results if they want to close the five-point to Richards Bay (14th).
WHAT WAS SAID:
Cape Town City interim coach Muhsin Ertugral
"I'm happy with the playing patterns, from the tactical viewpoint, technical viewpoint. In the box, we had fumbles with our feet, sometimes with the first touches in the box under pressure.
"It's a bit of a challenge. But these are small details and small technical elements and hopefully we can sort it out soon.
"What I loved to see was the build-up processes, the pockets, the windows, the entry patterns with the half spaces in the last third. I must say that from a football perspective, I'm really happy."
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Magesi - Mcedi Vandala has slotted straight into the starting line-up following his arrival from Sekhukhune United last month and he was Dikwena tsa Meetse's brightest player against the Chilli Boys. The 29-year-old winger took just two minutes to open his account in his third appearance and he presented Thabang Sibanyoni with a chance from a dangerous cross on the right, only for Stanley Nwabali to make a great save.
Cape Town City - The goals have dried up for Prins Tjiueza after he scored twice in his first three games for the Citizens at the start of the season. However, the 22-year-old striker looked bright against Abafana Bes'thende and delivered a couple of low crosses from the left that caused problems for the opposition defenders, with Sbonelo Cele required to make a last-ditch intervention to deny Darwin Gonzalez a certain goal on 22 minutes.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: (Previous Betway Premiership Meetings)
Matches - 1
Magesi wins - 0
CT City wins - 0
Draws - 1