Cape Town City FC have completed the signing of Mfundo Thikazi, bolstering their attacking options ahead of the 2026‑27 Betway Premiership season. The midfielder arrives from Casric Stars, where he shone in the latter half of the 2026 campaign, delivering goals and assists in both the Motsepe Foundation Championship and the Nedbank Cup semi‑final run.

What happened?

Mfundo Thikazi joined Casric Stars early in 2026 and quickly became one of the side’s standout performers. By the end of the season he had contributed eight goals and five assists, helping Casric reach the Nedbank Cup semi‑finals on 12 May 2026. Cape Town City secured his services on a three‑year deal announced on 3 July 2026, completing a busy transfer window that also saw the arrivals of Thabang Monare, Parsley Fielies, Bolivian international Marcelo Suarez and Dutch midfielder Rai Vloet.

Why it matters for Cape Town City FC

The club missed out on promotion last season, finishing second in the Championship and then losing the playoff final to Milford FC on 28 June 2026. Adding Thikazi gives City a proven creator who can unlock tight defenses, a need highlighted by the departure of key attackers Keagan Dolly and Njabulo Ngcobo in June. Coach Andries Ulderink, who took over after Jan Vreman left in May, will have a fresh tactical weapon to implement his more aggressive pressing style.

What comes next?

Thikazi will join pre‑season training on 10 July 2026, with the first league match scheduled for 15 August 2026 against Mamelodi Sundowns. If he replicates his 2026 form, City could see a noticeable rise in goal output, potentially turning the club’s fortunes from playoff disappointment to top‑four contention. The technical team plans to integrate him alongside Suarez and Vloet, aiming for a fluid midfield that can dominate possession and create chances.

How will the squad adapt?

Ulderink has already hinted at a shift to a 4‑3‑3 formation, where Thikazi would operate as the central attacking midfielder, linking the midfield trio of Monare, Fielies and Suarez with the front three. The club’s recent releases—Sifiso Ngobeni and Sphamandla Dondolo—free up salary space, allowing the new signings to receive competitive contracts. Fans can expect a more dynamic style of play, with Thikazi’s vision and work‑rate at the heart of the transformation.