CAPE TOWN CITY coach Benni McCarthy says he has set his sights on finishing better than last season, a sign of improvement under his tenure.
But that could be mind games because mathematically, the Citizens are still in with a big chance.
Last season, in McCarthy’ first stint as head coach, they finished fifth. On top of that, they reached the MTN8 final, losing to SuperSport United in Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.
This season, City, who are still within reach of winning the Absa Premiership title, weren’t going to be denied for the second time. They claimed the very same MTN8 title, also held in Durban in September last year against SuperSport.
This past weekend, City came crashing at the hands of Golden Arrows, losing 1-0. McCarthy then declared that his side’s chance of winning the league title is out of their hands.
It was City’s second loss on the trot. They lost 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final in their previous game, denting their hopes of winning the second trophy for the club this season.
They are now on 40 points, four behind log-leaders Orlando Pirates, with five league games to go.
On paper in those five games, they are winnable. The only biggest challenge might be when they host Pirates in the second to last game of the season. Other matches City still have to play are against Bloemfontein Celtic, Highlands Park, Chippa United and Black Leopards.
Said McCarthy: “If you ask any coaches what position will make him happy, it’s number one. But, realistically, number one is probably a little out of reach. My first season I finished fifth.
“If my second season I can finish fourth, or third, it’s a step closer to challenge the league next season. It’ll be nice when you see progress that every year you are climbing the ladder, you not dropping further.
“My second season, it looks like I’ve improved from last season. Now I’m much better, wiser. I understand my players much better.”
Meanwhile, the former FC Porto striker confirmed that Ivory Coast defender, Koussi Kouadja, will not play again this season as he is still nursing his grade three anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The 23-year-old Koudja suffered a bad knee injury in the MTN8 final triumph in September.
