Ralani's impact on City's fortunes is no surprise
CAPE TOWN – Amethyst Bradley (Surprise) Ralani has been the catalyst for Cape Town City’s turnaround in form since his return from injury.
After the Cape side put together a good run to win the MTN8 in September, they experienced an alarming dip in form and results. During that time, it is interesting to note that Ralani was missing from the team due to a series of niggling injuries. Over the last few weeks, though, with the tricky 31-year-old winger fit to assume his place in the team, City swept aside AmaZulu 3-0 and Black Leopards 3-1.
The victories rocketed City up the PSL standings. They are now in eighth position on the log and looking to continue their upward swing in fortune when they tackle Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium tomorrow night (7.30pm kickoff). Ralani will again play a major role in coach Benni McCarthy’s plans. City’s last two wins were inspired by the sprightly presence of Ralani, who terrorised the defences of AmaZulu and Leopards.
“The injuries look to have come to a pause now and I really hope to stay clear of it for as long as possible, so that I can keep the momentum and be part of each and every game,” said Ralani. “If I can do so, it will be good for both me and the team.”
Ralani is from Kimberley in the Northern Cape - but, at the age of 31, is in his first stint in the PSL. The winger spent most of his career abroad, before arriving to sign for City in January. It took Ralani a while to adapt to the PSL - but, once settled, he quickly endeared himself to McCarthy.
“I’m very happy with my form at the moment,” said Ralani. “But that does not necessarily mean it should stop where I currently am. I, for one, will always be looking to improve in every match I play, so I’m looking forward to even better performances.”
Lebogang Manyama of Kaizer Chiefs evades a challenge from Surprise Ralani during their Absa Premiership 2018/19 football match at Cape Town Stadium in September. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
As it stands in the league right now Polokwane are in seventh position (18 points) and City in eighth spot (13 points).
As such, based on Polokwane’s lofty log position, City are fully aware that they are in for a tough, competitive outing tomorrow. The Cape side will have to be at its very best if they are to come away with something in Polokwane.
“Polokwane are not going be easy,” said Ralani. “But we (are) ready to put up a fight on Tuesday. We obviously set out own goals as a team and I’m sure that, whoever is picked to do the job against Polokwane, will be more than ready to do just that for the team.
“Polokwane are one position higher than us on the log at the moment and that alone should tell us that we will be facing a good team. But we are also a good side, and we are all just looking forward to the match.”
This week’s PSL fixtures:
Tomorrow: Maritzburg United v Chippa United; Highlands Park v AmaZulu; Polokwane City v Cape Town City (Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, 7.30pm)
Wednesday: Bloemfontein Celtic v SuperSport United