Cape Town City staged a dramatic, rousing second-half comeback to defeat Bidvest Wits 3-2.
Wits were aiming to go back to the summit of the PSL but City refused to be used as whipping boys in the race for the league crown.
After being down 2-0 at the halfway mark, coach Benni McCarthy delivered some harsh words to his side in the dressing room.
“We’re not in the business of dropping our heads. There are hundreds of hungry players - free agents - that are dying for this opportunity [to play for City],” said McCarthy.
“That’s what I said to them at half time. There are hundreds of players out there, if they don’t feel up to the task of competing and fighting.
“Because, if you want to be in the top four, top three, top two or win the bloody league, you’ve got to compete - nobody’s going to hand it over to you.
“And at that stage we weren’t looking like a team that is in the top four and out there to compete, and that’s really all [I said at half time].”
STUNNER: Riyaad Norodien scored match-winning free-kick. PHOTO: SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/BACKPAGEPIX
Soon after the restart, City pulled a goal back when Chris David provided the pass for Kermit Erasmus to pull one back.
In the 53rd minute, it was 2-2 after Surprise Ralani scored - and then came the moment of the match as Riyaad Norodien produced a stunning, powerful free-kick which thudded into the back of the net to hand City a 3-2 advantage in the 67th minute.
Wits rallied to try and get back on par, but Deon Hotto and Daylon Classen’s attempts were saved by City goalkeeper Peter Leewenburgh.
The Students finished strongly, but the Capetonians hung on to register a crucial away victory.
City are currently fourth on the log with 36 points, just four points shy of log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who they face at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday at 7.30pm.