Relegation offers Cape Town City a chance to reset and refocus

Cape Town City were their own worst enemies in the 2024/25 campaign, and their failure to register a single win in the PSL promotion/relegation playoffs highlights the deep-rooted issues that must be addressed before the new season kicks off.

For a side boasting the quality and depth of players that City has, their relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) is a massive fall from grace. 

This is a club that had become a regular top-eight finisher since the 2014/15 season, yet they now find themselves outside the top flight for the first time in years, exposed by the very clubs they were expected to outperform.

Their dismal Betway Premiership season saw them win only seven out of 28 matches—form that dragged them into a relegation battle they ultimately could not escape.

At no point during the mini-league playoffs did the Cape side assert their expected superiority over Casric Stars or tournament winners Orbit College.

In contrast, both MFC outfits were better drilled, more consistent, and fully deserving of their positions. Orbit sealed automatic promotion, while Casric impressed despite falling short, missing a few key opportunities to seal their fate.

City’s chaotic campaign was worsened by two disruptive coaching changes. Neither Eric Tinkler nor Muhsin Ertugral managed to steady the ship, and the brief tenure of Diogo Peral—despite support from Roger de Sa and Lebohang Manyana—also failed to bring about meaningful change. A lack of direction on the technical bench translated directly onto the field.

As things stand, the Citizens are confirmed to be playing in the second tier next season.

However, with the increasing trend of clubs buying and selling statuses in South African football, a return to the Premiership cannot be completely written off in the future.

But for now, their focus must shift to rebuilding and preparing for life in the MFC next season.

The delayed start to the playoffs has further complicated matters. City, along with Peral, will have less time to prepare for pre-season compared to other MFC teams, and the City coach believes that the shortened window could be crucial.

“The playoffs don't put you in a great position to go out and compete straight away because you start later than everyone else,” Pearl said.

“But we had planned for both scenarios. Now we have to go and get as good a preseason as we can and make sure we hit the ground running. Difficult, but it must be done. This is what happens when you don't do enough in your PSL season.”

One of the biggest concerns heading into the new campaign is squad continuity. Relegation often leads to an exodus of key players, and if City are unable to retain their core group, the road back could become even longer.

The club must do everything in its power to keep its strongest assets and avoid a complete restart.

The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the Cape side can bounce back—or spiral further into uncertainty.