Diogo Peral banking on returning trio to revive Cape Town City survival bid

Lorenzo Gordinho, Tshegofatso Nyama, and Aprocious Petrus were all suspended for City’s opening match, in which they were held to a goalless draw by Motsepe Foundation Championship newcomers Orbit College at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

The Citizens went into the mini-league depleted, not only due to suspensions but also recent player departures, and Peral says the absence of key personnel contributed significantly.

"More than the guys leaving, the guys that were suspended [played a huge role] – we had to change the entire backline, we played a different formation, and that's more due to the guys who were suspended," said Peral.

"We've got the left-back who's gone, Lorenzo suspended, the holding midfielder – so that changes your entire defence, but still at home you want to be better than this and get three points.

"But there were some challenge there with the changes, some new guys coming in, so more about the guys that were suspended than the guys that have left."

The reason for the Cape outfit's Betway Premiership struggles was once again evident as they failed to find the back of the net, but Peral takes comfort in their progress in defence.

"[City have struggled with scoring] goals, but you could also say throughout the season we conceded too much – so maybe that has improved a little bit, even with a back three as opposed to what we've been playing, a back four," he acknowledged.

"Defensively we also struggled this season, we conceded way too many goals, but that's got a little bit better, but again, at home we need to be better in the final third, I don't know if we've worked on it enough, the final third decision-making and final ball have been a problem."

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