Cape Town City internal arguments exposed after Kaizer Chiefs defeat

The disagreement between Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy and his chairman John Comitis over the purchase of players was given a public airing after the team were beaten 2-1 at home by Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday.

McCarthy used both his post-match television interview and later press conference to highlight his desire for an additional central defender‚ an issue where he has hit an impasse with his boss.

McCarthy suggested that City’s concession of two late goals came because he is employing a makeshift back four with left-back Edmilson Dove pressed into service as centre-back‚ against the player’s wishes but with no other real option available.

“It’s not rocket science for people to see.

"You can get away with it sometimes but when you have a real test‚ you come up short when your fullback is playing centre back‚” the coach said.

“The defence had a fantastic first half but in the second half it was challenging … when the big guns are sent forward‚ you got to be solid.

“That’s where we lack aggression. They were winning free headers‚ we weren’t challenging and they got to all the second balls too."

City have lost Tareeq Fillies and Kouassi Koudjia to long-term injuries and McCarthy has been badgering his chairman to bring back Robyn Johannes‚ who is also seeking to return to Cape Town as he battles for game time at Bidvest Wits.

But Comitis has balked at the cost‚ causing friction with his coach.

The City boss is also not over enthusiastic‚ given that Johannes left City two seasons ago to move to Johannesburg for a better deal.

McCarthy‚ however‚ is desperate for Johannes to come back‚ strengthening a squad that has been beset by injuries since February.

If City are to do a deal with Wits‚ it would have to be completed by Monday‚ when the transfer window closes.