Football comes second to rugby – Eric Tinkler

Chairman John Comitis confirmed last week that City would now play the bulk of their home matches in Athlone as they begin to move away from the DHL Stadium, who not only give preference to rugby, but come at a heavier cost too.

READ: Big in Japan? Kurt-Lee Arendse reportedly set to link up with Japanese club

Tinkler shared his views on the latest developments.

''Obviously, we do come second to rugby, that is just a fact, especially with the success that rugby has had over the past few years. That is the sad part, that here in Cape Town we're not blessed with many stadiums we can utilise. That has always been the struggle. In 2016 when I came to the club, the biggest challenge we faced was trying to get that lease to build a home stadium, because we know the challenges we are going to face at DHL stadium - the Stormers are there and the live concerts. That brings in a lot of money, and we need to be aware of all of that,'' said Tinkler.

The adverse weather conditions have also played a part in the short supply of match venues, but Tinkler argued that when there was availability – football got the short end of the stick.

''The unfortunate part is that we don't come second to rugby, we actually come second to amateur rugby, the Under-20 World Cup shouldn't be taking place at Athlone, because you are taking away from a professional football club to play there. Those are the challenges we are facing, and well it is no one else's fault,'' added Tinkler.

City might have had issues with venues lately, but not so with transfer targets – and Tinkler was again asked whether new striker Amadou Soukouna can hit the ground running.

''I think so, I mean he has a lot of qualities as a player. When he was at Maritzburg I was highly impressed with him. His abilities, he's comfortable on the ball, he's got strength, he's got speed. Pity we couldn't get him earlier, but that has been resolved and he fitted in immediately,'' he concluded.

The Citizens have again been linked with Kermit Erasmus, who is a free agent after leaving Orlando Pirates at the end of last season.

But Tinkler suggested the door is closed.