Following last season’s fifth-place finish and MTN8 silver medal, City bolstered their ranks with six signings in the off-season as they look to add to the solitary 2016 Telkom Knockout trophy in their cabinet. The brought in Keanu Cupido, Kouassi Kouadja, Peter Leeuwenburgh, Gift Links, Riyaad Norodien and Siphelele Mthembu.
Despite the new faces in a number of key positions, Mkhize – who was handed the armband following the departure of previous captain Robyn Johannes to Bidvest Wits – feels their solid preparations in the off-season has given the team enough time to gel and integrate the new players.
“Given that we had enough time to prepare ourselves, I think that has helped us as players because we’ve had enough time to get to know each other, especially the new players who just joined us,” the defender said. “And the coaches had enough time to implement what they want from us and how they want us to play. Overall it gave us enough time to gel as a team.
“I believe we’ve added quality to our team, and I’m sure they will help us going forward as a club.”
Mkhize is confident that City can this season compete with the best in the league and challenge across all fronts for silverware.
“I believe we can challenge for everything, in all cups and the league,” he said. “We’ve been working hard in pre-season, and have played against the league’s big three teams in friendlies and we did well. So I believe if we keep on pushing, hopefully this season we can win one or two cups.”