Cape Town City Offload Dutch Striker in Squad Overhaul

CAPE TOWN — Cape Town City FC continues its striker shake-up, mutually parting ways with Dutch forward Simon van Duivenbood just months after his arrival, club chairman John Comitis confirmed. The 23-year-old’s exit paves the way for Namibian international Prins Tjiueza’s full return from injury, as the Citizens streamline their attack ahead of a critical PSL campaign.

Van Duivenbood, who signed as a free agent in September 2025 following his Vitesse Arnhem release in July 2024, struggled to ignite the Mother City offence. An insider revealed the mismatch: “He just didn’t click. With Tjiueza regaining full fitness, there’s no room for him in the squad.”

Comitis verified the split: “Yes, it’s true, we’ve agreed to part ways with striker Simon van Duivenbood.” The move echoes last week’s release of Congolese hitman Walter Bwalya, signalling head coach Juan Carlos Pires’ ruthless bid to forge a sharper frontline.

Tjiueza’s Return Fuels Optimism

Namibian speedster Prins Tjiueza, Cape Town City‘s record signing from Orlando Pirates, endured a frustrating injury-plagued debut season. Now match-ready, the 25-year-old’s blistering pace and clinical finishing, evident in his 2024/25 Pirates cameos, position him as the focal point.

“Prins brings proven quality and local familiarity,” the source added, hinting at attacking fluidity with South African talents like Khanyisa Mayo.

Van Duivenbood’s Cape Town tenure yielded minimal impact, no goals, scant starts, despite his Eredivisie pedigree. The raw Dutch prospect, moulded in Vitesse’s youth ranks, sought African exposure but couldn’t adapt to PSL physicality and City’s high-press system.

Mid-table City, owned by Comitis’ pragmatic syndicate, faces relegation skirmishes. Recent striker churn reflects fiscal discipline: Bwalya’s high wages and Tjiueza’s recovery reshaped priorities. Pires eyes January reinforcements, potentially from Europe’s lower tiers or SADC rivals, balancing budget with ambition.