Cape Town City coach Diogo Peral reveals survival blueprint amid winless streak & sets sights on PSL promotion/relegation playoffs - 'I think we have to be realistic'

Cape Town City are staring down the barrel of the promotion/relegation playoffs as they sit 15th on the log table with just two games remaining.

If they finish in that spot, they will face the Motsepe Foundation Championship runners-up and third-placed side in a tense playoff battle.

Interim coach Diogo Peral addressed the media, acknowledging the pressure but stating that the team has already begun scouting and analysing possible opponents.

He emphasised that preparations are well underway to give themselves the best chance of survival.

The club has gone 13 matches without a win, adding to the urgency.

Peral praised his players’ professionalism amid the difficult situation.

He remains hopeful that with focus and determination, City can retain their top-flight status.

“I think we have to be realistic,” Peral told the media, as reported by iDiski Times.

“You know, how many games we got to win now, we got to get a win and a draw, maybe. But even that possibly won’t be enough. So, what we’re looking at is two wins. So, we, I mean, we’re realistic.

“We knew that this was a game that, if we could get something out of it, then we’d be looking better. But we’ve also started thinking about what it is that we’re going to do and how we’re going to plan.

“If we're in the playoffs, we have to be stupid not to, you know, we concentrate on the next 90 minutes always.

“We put all the effort and training sessions and everything we can into the next 90 minutes while also looking over our shoulders and seeing how the guys are doing in the NFD, and, you know, keep ourselves open to all the possibilities.”

Cape Town City still boast a squad filled with experienced campaigners who have seen difficult situations before.

From the backline to attack, the team has players capable of turning results around when it matters most.

Their leadership and calm heads will be crucial in the playoff pressure cooker.

However, with only 29 points possible, the margin for error is gone.

Survival will depend on both tactical discipline and mental strength.

City next take on Polokwane City, who are chasing a top-eight finish and will be tough to beat.

Their final match is against Stellenbosch FC, who are eyeing a top-three spot and a chance at Caf competitions qualification.