Cape Town City’s new boss Jan Olde Riekerink will again be a spectator when his side faces Black Leopards in the PSL on Sunday.
Riekerink had to watch from the stands on Wednesday evening as City beat Polokwane 5-3 at Cape Town Stadium, still waiting on his work permit.
With the paperwork not yet ready, Riekerink will learn the ropes from interim coach Vasili Manousakis as the 56-year-old Dutchman’s new team goes all out to impress him.
City got their post-Benni McCarthy era off to a flying start on Wednesday, with Manousakis saying the victory was bittersweet for the players.
BITTERSWEET: Cape Town City win was a bittersweet one says, assistant coach Vasili Manousakis. Picture: Phando Jikelo/ANA.
The long-serving City assistant explains: “It’s bittersweet. The points were important and getting that win to build momentum.
“The motivation was simple – we needed closure of the previous chapter and start a new one.
“Some of the guys didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to the [former] coach and that’s the way they wanted to do it.
“And at the same token, they wanted to show the new coach, ‘we’re here’.
“So let’s close the old with how we want to start the new. What more can you ask for?”
Of Riekerink, he adds: “The coach will be on the bus trip north. It’s a positive, because we will be able to chat and do all the analysis to prepare the team.”
Weekend PSL fixtures:
Friday
- Wits v SuperSport United (8pm)
- Maritzburg v Bloem Celtic (8pm)
Saturday
- Stellenbosch v Highlands Park (3.30pm)
- Kaizer Chiefs v Orlando Pirates (3.30pm)
- Polokwane City v Baroka FC (7.30pm)
- AmaZulu v Chippa (8.15pm)
Sunday
- Golden Arrows v Mamelodi Sundowns (3.30pm)