Christmas gifts have arrived early for Cape Town City players as the club boss, John Comitis, promises his players R4 million for clinching the MTN8.
The Citizens walked away with R8 million after beating SuperSport United 4-1 on penalties in the Nedbank Cup final at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
The game ended 0-0 after 120 minutes and Peter Leeuwenburg produced a stellar performance on penalties to inspire his side to glory.
A jubilant Comitis told the media after the game that he will reward his troops with R4 million for their efforts.
"We usually go 50/50 with the players. That's has always been like that. They have put in their share and we've put in our share. That's usually how we do it. The players will get half. Players won't be even bothered about that at this stage. They are so happy to have a trophy on the cabinet. That is the most important thing for us and their careers, " Comitis beamed.
Comitis bought the status of Mpumalanga Black Aces two years ago. His team are slowly building reputation as the cup specialists in South African football.
In two and half years, City have reached three cup finals and emerge as victors on two occasions. In their maiden season in top flight football, City, won the Telkom Knockout.
Cape Town City Chairman John Comitis is all smiles as he receives the winners cheque after his team won the MTN8 trophy. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
"The way we run our club, we are results orientated. Players we bring must be able to get us results and take us to the next level. When we see it working and the trophy cabinet, we then realise that we are on a right track. We want to continue doing this. Make no mistake if we won't winning from the beginning, we wouldn't be the brand we are today. You've got to win things in order to be taken seriously, " he added.
In two and half years of existence City have delivered two silverwares in their trophy cabinet and next for the Citizens is the Absa Premiership.
"The league is always our priority. I'm concerned a bit because our goals are not coming as fast as I want them to. We play a lot of good football but we don't finish it. I hope that Tokelo (Rantie) is going to be the missing link to finish hard work the rest of them are doing. We believe we can challenge. I think it is too early now to decide what is going to happen. We need to get the results to get ourselves back on track, " Comitis said.
Last season, Comitis, took the gamble when he appointed Benni McCarthy as the coach.
"We have a lot of talent in this country. People have to give others a chance. We keep on bringing the coaches from outside the country and then we have these merry go round coaches. They keep going from one club to another. Benni is the breath of fresh air. Yes, we did take a gamble but it was a very calculated one. We have good support system around him and there was every reason for him to succeed. He has done exactly that, " Comitis concluded.