Haashim Domingo has a fresh start at Cape Town City, where he could take the league by storm, according to his new boss, writes Dylan Appolis.
Haashim Domingo is looking to make history at Cape Town City upon his homecoming after leaving the Mother City as a teenager in 2015.
The 28-year-old joined the Citizens on a three-year deal as a free agent after his departure from Moroccan team Raja Casablanca.
Domingo returned to Cape Town after enduring a tough spell with Raja last campaign, where he made just 10 appearances in the Botola Pro League under the guidance of former Orlando Pirates coach Joe Zinnbauer.
He became head coach Eric Tinkler’s first new signing for the 2024/25 season after returning to Cape Town following an 11-year absence.
“I think settling in has been very good because it was made easy by everyone – the club and the players,” Domingo told SoccerClub.
“They welcomed me very warmly; I felt the love and the appreciation. “Settling in wasn’t a problem but being back in Cape Town has been amazing. I get to spend time with my extended family. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been back living in Cape Town, so I’m very excited and very happy.”
Prior to his move to Raja, Domingo enjoyed a highly successful stint with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he won five trophies, including three league titles, Nedbank Cup trophy and the MTN8.
He will now be hoping to rediscover his form and help the team succeed in the new season.
“My goals are to make history for the club, for the club to be successful and to help the team in every aspect,” Domingo said.
“I’m not an individual; I’m more of a team player so it’s to basically help the club be successful. “With that being said, most of it comes down to competing for the league, going all the way in the MTN8 or any domestic competitions.”
Domingo has given insight on the quality within the squad and will have to compete with the likes of Fortune Makaringe, Jaedin Rhodes and Lefa Aphane for a place in the starting line-up.
“I think we are well decorated in all departments, we have a bit of experience combined with the future, the youngsters, it looks good and we gelling very well together,” he said.
City chairman John Comitis is confident that the attacking midfielder will play his best football at the club. He explained why they decided to sign Domingo, and what he will bring to the club next season.
““I needed a player with intelligence in the last third, and he’s got it,” Comitis told The Sowetan.
“This will be his best season, I can assure you. He will be free to express himself and I have a lot of confidence in him.” The Cape Town-born midfielder revealed that his biggest inspiration has been his father, who demonstrates what it means to have a good work ethic and never say die attitude.
“He always went about his work, working hard and put everything on the line and that inspires me to never give up and keep going,” Domingo said.
“I’ve had some setbacks in my career but because I’ve seen his work ethic, that’s what also drove me, apart from my faith, which has driven me to keep going and never give up.”
