21 hours ago
Cape Town City may face life in NFD without talented youngsters
Cape Town City will now have to prepare for life in the Motsepe Foundation Championship after being officially ruled out of the promotion/relegation playoffs earlier this week, bringing a long and difficult season to a disappointing close.
The Citizens, who ended the campaign 15th on the Premiership table, fell short when it mattered most and must now regroup for the challenges of second-tier football.
The Cape side paid the price for their inconsistency throughout a campaign that only saw them get seven victories from 28 matches and their turn out in the playoffs also lacked the urgency the club has been known for in the last 10 years.
Their 1-0 defeat to Orbit College handed the Rustenburg-based side a historic promotion to the top flight. The result took Orbit to an unassailable eight points in the mini-league, ending City's survival hopes with a game to spare.
At the start of the season, few would have predicted this outcome for City, especially with the wealth of talent still within their squad. As the dust settles, attention now turns to three of their brightest young stars—players who could soon be on the radar of top-flight clubs.
The 20-year-old forward enjoyed a landmark year, becoming one of the few South African players to lift the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. His rise continued with nine league appearances for City this season, playing a role in their battle to retain top-flight status.
Ahshene's technical ability and composure in the final third make him one of the most exciting prospects in South African football. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and with City now relegated, clubs in the Betway Premiership are likely to circle for his signature. Jaedin Rhodes
In a season filled with setbacks, Jaedin Rhodes emerged as one of the few consistent performers for City. The 22-year-old midfielder featured in 23 matches, showcasing his resilience and maturity despite the team's struggles.
Rhodes, who received a national team call-up to the Bafana Bafana Cosafa Cup squad last year, remains a highly valued asset. His creative spark and tactical intelligence could be central to City's hopes of bouncing back quickly. However, the lure of top-flight football may make it difficult for the club to hold onto him, especially with his stock rising. Emile Witbooi
