When it comes to football in South Africa’s Western region, the iKapa Derby stands out as the premier fixture.
The second Cape Derby of the season sees Cape Town City lock horns with Ajax Cape Town in what promises to be an intense battle of local pride. Since their establishment by John Comitis, Cape Town City have dominated the scene, consistently finishing above their neighbours and remaining undefeated against the Urban Warriors so far.
Despite what the league tables might say – with Cape Town City in the title race and Ajax fighting relegation – this derby throws form aside and delivers unpredictable excitement every time.
To Win (90 mins)
Cape Town City 19/20 | Draw 2/1 | Ajax Cape Town 31/10
ABSA Premiership | Saturday 20 January | Cape Town Stadium | 15:30
Cape Town City
After an impressive three-game winning streak, Cape Town City recently suffered their sixth loss, a narrow 1-0 defeat to Free State Stars. Benni McCarthy’s side will be eager to return to winning ways against their rivals, who have yet to beat them this season.
While their squad boasts plenty of talent, the sale of key attackers like Lebogang Manyama and Aubrey Ngoma has raised questions about their long-term title challenge. New signings such as Kwanda Mngonyama and Masoud Juma are still finding their feet, but the team has a solid spine, with defenders like Thamsanqa Mkhize impressing at right-back, alongside Robyn Johannes and Taariq Fielies forming a reliable back line.
The midfield duo of Roland Putsche and Thabo Nodada solidify the core, allowing creativity from players like Lyle Lakay, Craig Martin, and Ayanda Patosi. Up front, Victor Obinna, known for scoring against Ajax this season, is expected to trouble the opposition defence.
Ajax Cape Town
Ajax Cape Town, led by coach Muhsin Ertugral, play exciting, youthful football. Their recent 3-1 victory over Platinum Stars ended a tough three-match losing streak, showing signs of improvement as new coach Ertugral, and striker Tendai Ndoro, settle in following permit delays.
This game is crucial for Ajax – a vital opportunity to climb the log and silence the city’s rivals, a feat yet to be accomplished. Their defence is bolstered by Brandon Petersen in goal and attacking full-backs like Sirgio Kammies and Mosa Lebusa, though their centre-back pairing remains a concern.
Their forward line is threatening, with Ndoro a consistent goal threat and dynamic players like Samuel Julies and Tashreeq Morris capable of creating havoc. The anticipated signing of Yannick Zakri further enhances their attacking firepower, making Ajax a real force this season.
Probable line-ups:
Cape Town City: 4-2-3-1
Stephens; Mkhize, Johannes, Fielies, Edmilson; Putsche, Nodada; Lakay, Martin, Patosi; Obinna
Ajax Cape Town: 4-2-3-1
Petersen; Kammies, Booysen, Nhlapo, Lebusa; Malepe, Takwara; Morris, Julies, Lakay; Ndoro.
Verdict: Ajax Cape Town (33/10)
Ajax Cape Town are hunting their first iKapa Derby win, and this match presents their best shot yet. Cape Town City has looked somewhat vulnerable since the break, and the skillful Lakay and Morris could prove decisive. With enticing odds, backing Ajax in this smash of a derby makes perfect sense.
