Cape Town City has received a major injury boost with the return of five stars to full fitness and training ahead of their Nedbank Cup round of 32 clash against Sekhukhune United at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Monday.

The Citizens welcomed back former Orlando Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe, Keanu Cupido, Taahir Goedeman, Darwin Gonzalez, and highly rated teenage sensation Emile Witbooi, who is yet to make his first-team debut for the club.

Makaringe, who joined the Cape club on a free transfer in the off-season, has missed nine games for City after suffering an ankle injury in November which led to a lengthy spell on the sidelines. 

The 31-year-old will be eager to add to the eight appearances he has made in all competitions this term.

Meanwhile, center-back Cupido has been an integral part of the Citizens’ plans, having featured 15 times this season. The ex-Bidvest Wits player was unavailable in the last four matches alongside Goedeman. 

The duo also missed the back-to-back wins over the two Soweto giants. Muhsin Ertugral will also be delighted to welcome back Gonzalez, who was a hero against Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates with solitary goals in both matches to secure maximum points, before suffering a small knock and subsequently missing the last match against Richards Bay.

Interestingly, the versatile Venezuelan was on target the last time the John Comitis-owned club locked horns against Babina Noko in a domestic cup competition. The 30-year-old scored the only goal to dump Sekhukhune out of the MTN8 last year.

On the other hand, Angolan Midfielder Carlinhos is expected to remain on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in August 2024 – a month after he arrived from Petro de Luanda on a one-year deal. But with the return of these key players, Ertugral will be able to prepare for the challenges ahead.

However, the Citizens have been eliminated in the first round of the Nedbank Cup in the last four campaigns, with their last round of 16 appearances dating back to the 2020/21 season when their journey was discontinued by Chippa United in extra time.