The Citizens, who emerged victorious on penalties against SuperSport United in last month’s final, took to the streets of Cape Town on an open bus tour, stopping at various points to show off their maiden MTN8 trophy while celebrating with fans.
— Fabio De Dominicis (@fabiodedoms) October 11, 2018
Upon reaching the Cape Town City Hall just after midday, Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille joined the City squad on the bus as she addressed both the players and excitable crowd.
“We are very, very happy and so proud of our team,” she said. “I want to thank the coach and his team for bringing the cup home to Cape Town. For such a young team, the way they have worked so hard is an example, as it’s only through hard work that you become a winner.”
Club owner John Comitis then addressed the supporters, revealing their importance in his decision to create the club which has just celebrated two years of existence.
“The only reason I came back to football and did this with Cape Town City was for the fans,” he said. “This is the happiest day in football for me – when I see this, there’s nothing better for me. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you the supporters. We can see we are making a difference, and we hope you love us as much as we love you, and it’s fantastic to see you out here in numbers.”
After winning his first trophy as a coach, Benni McCarthy promised fans he and his team would continue to strive for success.
“You the fans are the most important of all because without you, we are nothing,” McCarthy said. “Our jobs are very minor. For the support, for pushing us all the way, for allowing us to play to our best, for coming out to support us and being able to bring these trophies back, so we are going to work extra hard to make this a reality and make this as normal as possible for you. Thank you all for the love and the support, and we will try make you as proud as possible.”
City now have two pieces of silverware in their cabinet since Comitis bought Mpumalanga Black Aces and relocated the club to Cape Town, with this year’s MTN8 triumph adding to their 2016 Telkom Knockout success where they also beat SuperSport in the final.