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Benni: Norodien is a blessing

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Riyaad Norodien of Cape Town City

Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy says he was impressed with Riyaad Norodien’s performance on debut against SuperSport United on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

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The Citizens managed to secure all three points after claiming a comfortable 2-0 victory over United in their opening Absa Premiership encounter through goals from Roland Putsche and Craig Martin.

The victory sees the Citizens occupy third place in the Absa Premiership standings, level on three points with log leaders Bidvest Wits.

McCarthy says he is pleased to have a player in his squad with Norodien’s versatility as he can play in a number of roles when asked upon.

‘Getting [Riyaad] Norodien is a blessing, he can play across the front the way we play 4-3-2-1. Norodien can either play as a No.10, a No.7 or even No.11,’ McCarthy told TFGSoccerClub.

The 40-year-old coach says he has a close relationship with Surprise Rulani and has stated that the winger can play in any position he asks for after his impressive showing for the Citizens last season.

‘We are spoilt for choice and Surprise [Rulani] has been unbelievable last season,’  he added.

‘He gets asked which position he want to play. That is the type of relationship we have and that’s his preferred position.’

‘“Skilo” [Riyaad Norodien] has to take one for the team, but it’s a position he is well accustomed too. He can play there, he is good at it, but its not his best position.

‘He prefers coming in from the left to cut in because of the strike he has.’

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The former Orlando Pirates forward insists that he will gradually introduce the new faces at the club once his players start feeling fatigued.

‘Of course there will be tiredness and I will switch players as the season goes on. I’ll switch players that did not get to see,’ he concluded.

Cape Town City will now travel to the Peter Mokaba Stadium when they take on Baroka in their next Absa Premiership encounter on Wednesday, with kick-off set for 19:30pm.

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix