Cape Town City head coach Eric Tinkler has explained the signing of Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Thabiso Kutumela, insisting that they need more ‘depth’.
Eric Tinkler has outlined his mission to ensure that Cape Town City competes against the big boys in the PSL. And to do so, Tinkler and CT City have added firepower upfront by acquiring the services of Kutumela on a season-long loan.
Thabiso Kutumela joins the list of new signings, which includes Tshegofatso Nyama (TS Galaxy), Ramazani Tshimanga (Js Grp. Bazano) and Jo Paciencia (Interclube), to name a few.
The striker also reunites with Tinkler as the duo worked together at Maritzburg United and Orlando Pirates several seasons ago. Tinkler confirmed Kutumela’s arrival following CT City’s 2-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 quarter-finals at Athlone Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
CT City had opened the scoring in the game through Marc van Heerden, but Amakhosi hit back via Ashley du Preez and Edson Castillo strikes to seal a place in the semi-finals, where they are set to do battle with Mamelodi Sundowns. Kutumela, who joined Sundowns in 2021 as a highly-rated attacker from Maritzburg United, was spotted in the stands at Athlone Stadium during the CT City and Chiefs game.
TINKLER EXPLAINS KUTUMELA’S SIGNING
“Correct,” answered Tinkler when he was probed on whether reports stating that Kutumela has penned a deal with CT City were true. “We feel we need a little bit more depth and opportunity for someone who has goalscoring attributes and someone I’ve worked with before.
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We’re very happy to bring him because, obviously, he will give us an added number,” declared Tinkler. The 30-year-old Kutumela, looking for regular playing time, was also linked with moves to DSTv Premiership newcomers Cape Town Spurs and AmaZulu FC.
Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena revealed most recently that the club was seeking to ‘clarify’ Kutumela’s future. “With Kutumela, there is interest, but we have to wait because it has to make sense for the tripartite,” said Mokwena after the Tshwane giants’ 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United in their season opener.
“It has to make sense for the player, he has to be happy. The mother club has to be happy, and of course, it has to make sense for the interested party.” And with Tinkler revealing that Kutumela has joined CT City, it is safe to state that all parties involved are pleased with the transfer of the ex-Pirates star. In Sundowns colours, Kutumela hasn’t enjoyed much time game with five goals and six assists in 38 games for the club since 2021. He still has two years remaining on his Downs contract.