Cape Town City F.C. (2016)

Cape Town City was resurrected when South African businessman and former professional soccer player John Comitis purchased the franchise rights of defunct Mpumalanga Black Aces F.C.[1] Comitis was one of two co-founders of Ajax Cape Town F.C. in 1999 but eventually sold his shares in 2013.[2] In 2016, Comitis bought defunct Black Aces, located in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, and relocated the team with the franchise license in Cape Town. Comitis felt Cape Town deserved one true powerhouse football club that had the ability to truly represent the city's diverse footballing heritage and talent.[2]

Cape Town City is a team that strives to represent and empower all ethnic and racial diversities of Cape Town. A team "by Capetonians, for Capetonians", the club uses its roots in Nyanga, the City Centre, and the Cape Flats to unite all people of Cape Town under one team. The club's official manifesto preaches inclusivity and diversity in defining Cape Town's rich footballing history.

Cape Town City play their home matches at Athlone Stadium in the suburb of Athlone in Cape Town.[3] In 2018, chairman John Comitis announced that they planned to reinvigorate the historic home of Cape Town City FC at Hartleyvale Stadium and make it the home ground once more.[4]

Cape Town City won the 2016 Telkom Knockout Cup, defeating Supersport United 2–1 in the final on 10 December 2016. City scored 12 goals in 4 games during the tournament to win their first piece of silverware, in only their first top-flight season.[5]

• Telkom Knockout
  • Winners: 2016
• MTN 8
  • Winners: 2018
  • Runners up: 2017, 2021

• Head Coach: Erick Tinkler [6]
• Assistant Coach: Diogo Peral
• Analyst: Paul Lamb
• Team Manager: Moenier Davids
• Sport Scientist: Lee Miles
• Physiotherapist: Andrew Coppin
• Biokineticist: Hlalefo Senoamali
• Head of Recruitment: Grant Veitch

As of 21 December 2021

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player 1 GK  ANG Hugo Marques 2 DF  RSA Thamsanqa Mkhize (captain) 4 DF  COD Idumba Fasika 5 DF  MOZ Edmilson Dove 6 MF  RSA Relebogile Mokhuoane 8 MF  RSA Mpho Makola 10 MF  RSA Mduduzi Mdantsane 12 DF  RSA Taariq Fielies 14 DF  RSA Terrence Mashego 15 DF  RSA Keanu Cupido 16 GK  RSA Darren Keet

No. Pos. Nation Player 17 FW  RSA Khanyisa Mayo 18 MF  RSA Shane Roberts 20 FW  RSA Tashreeq Morris 21 MF  RSA Thato Mokeke 22 DF  RSA Patrick Fisher 26 MF  RSA Thabo Nodada 27 MF  RSA Taahir Goedeman 30 DF  RSA Craig Martin 31 GK  RSA Bongani Mpandle 40 GK  RSA Marc Anderson 45 FW  RSA Diego Appolis 47 GK  RSA Luca Oliaro

As part of an ongoing dedication to honour and respect Cape Town's rich and diverse football history, Cape Town City offers lifetime awards to a distinguished group of 30 Cape Town football "Legends". Notable players such as Thabo Mngomeni, David Nyathi, Ben Anderson, Bernard Hartze, Reggie Jantjies and Farouk Abrahams feature as honourees on this list.

Modern playing legends include the likes of Theko Modise, Craig Martin, Edmilson Dove and Lebogang Manyama.[7] The biggest legendary figure is possibly the long-serving captain, Thamsanqa Mkhize.

The club's first manager was Eric Tinkler who achieved early success before being released and who is having his second stint as manager. The club also has been managed by South African football legend Benni McCarthy.

• Official website