There has been a fantastic response to Benni McCarthy's presence at City, says Comitis

Cape Town City could be headed for a frustrating season as they are yet to identify a permanent base with only weeks left to the start of the 2017/2018 Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaign.

Despite the Citizens’ meteoric rise last season, they are yet to find a permanent training venue which could prove a logistical nightmare going forward. City are currently utilising the premises of rugby club SK Walmers, but will be forced to vacate and find a new venue by October.

That combined with the Citizens’ continuous search for a home venue to host their PSL matches has posed a serious concern for City boss John Comitis.  City are set to play only eight of their 15 home matches at the Cape Town Stadium, and have already begun holding negotiations with Newlands Stadium management as well as mulling over the idea of hosting some of their matches at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

“It’s not ideal,” Comitis told Cape Times.

“I am continuing to work with the city, but it is taking time. There are a few options available and we are waiting on the go-ahead. In three months’ time, we will have to move from Green Point and then we will become nomadic again. It’s already worrying me - because it would mean that, a year later, we are no better than before with regard to training facilities,” he added.

Nonetheless, Comitis also confirmed his plan to build City’s very own 10 000 seater stadium.

“We are not in control of our environment,” he emphasised.

“It’s what every club should have, and it’s something I want City to have,” he expressed.

Meanwhile, Comitis has been encouraged by the positive response his players have shown in training following the appointment of Benedict McCarthy as City’s head coach.

“There has been a fantastic response to Benni’s presence from the players,” said Comitis.

“They are flying at training - and I think they have realised he will play what he sees. Nobody is assured of a place in the team and they have to work hard to impress the coach,” he concluded.