Ex-Bafana Midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo Departs Cape Town City Amid Relegation Fears
Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo has officially parted ways with Cape Town City, just months after joining the club, as they brace themselves for a potential relegation play-off battle. The experienced midfielder exits the team at a critical time, with City’s future in the DStv Premiership hanging by a thread.
Cape Town City, who had never previously faced relegation since their inception, now find themselves on the brink. A poor run of results has dragged the side into the danger zone, and their fate depends on the outcome of the final fixture between SuperSport United and Golden Arrows. Should United secure a point or more, City will be pushed down to 15th, forcing them into the promotion/relegation play-offs.
Mokotjo’s exit comes just as the team needs all the experience it can muster. Interim coach Diogo Peral addressed the midfielder’s departure following their final game of the season — a crucial 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC. The result offered a glimmer of hope, though it may not be enough to secure safety without help from other results.
Peral, who took charge in the final stretch of the season, was respectful in his comments about Mokotjo. “I don’t know if I am the right person to be commenting on what happened with Mokotjo. I think that was part of planning for next season already,” he told the media. “For me, I didn’t have a problem with Mokotjo; it was a pleasure to work with him, a gentleman and a good player.”
The 33-year-old midfielder, who once plied his trade in Europe with clubs like Brentford and FC Twente, joined Cape Town City to bring stability and leadership. However, his stint has come to an abrupt end during what has become a crisis period for the club. Despite showing professionalism and dedication, Mokotjo now finds himself looking for a new challenge.
City’s draw against Stellenbosch — a side already qualified for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup — was a commendable performance, with Peral managing to steady the ship in difficult waters. But the club’s overall poor finish to the 2024/25 season means their top-flight status is no longer in their own hands.
As the club and its supporters anxiously await the SuperSport vs Golden Arrows result, the reality of possibly playing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship next season looms large. For Mokotjo, meanwhile, the focus shifts to finding a new club — potentially one that offers a more stable environment for the twilight of his career.
His departure marks the beginning of a period of transition for Cape Town City, who may have to rebuild with or without DStv Premiership status. Regardless of where they end up, one thing is clear — the club has significant work to do in the off-season, and the loss of an experienced campaigner like Mokotjo only adds to the challenges ahead.
