- Craig Martin is expected to make 100 appearances for Cape Town City on Saturday against SuperSport United.
- The 27-year-old joined the club in 2017 after a successful trial.
- He reveals that signing for the Citizens has not only changed his life but his family's as well.
Cape Town City FC speedster Craig Martin will join a prominent list of players who have made 100 appearances for the club when he takes to the field on Saturday.
The 27-year-old is expected to start for the Citizens this weekend in a DStv Premiership clash against SuperSport United at Cape Town Stadium (kick-off is at 15:00).
Martin, who joined the club in July 2017, will be the fifth player to make 100 appearances for the club joining the likes of Thamsanqa Mkhize, Roland Putsche, Taariq Fielies and Thabo Nodada.
Martin received his first Bafana Bafana call-up last month and speaking to media earlier this week, reflected on his time at the club, which he feels has been life changing not only for him but for his family as well.
“For me, joining Cape Town City felt good. Playing for my first professional club, coming from an amateur club playing for Hellenic, Glendene United FC… I didn’t know what it would feel like to be in a PSL team. That month of being on trial (at City) showed me that I can make it,” Martin said.
“My first man-of-the-match was against Ajax Cape Town (now Cape Town Spurs). It was a nice experience. You know, the first time being interviewed on TV, the nerves kicked in, I was a bit shy, and the English did not come out properly (laughs).”
Martin added: “A lot has changed for my family, coming from Kensington, coming from a background that we come from, everything has changed since I got an opportunity to play for Cape Town City.”
Usually deployed at right-wing in more of an attacking position, Martin has now been entrusted with playing in defence at right-back and wing-back on certain occasions depending on the game tactics of coach Jan Olde Riekerink.
However, Martin prefers playing as an attacker but reveals that Riekerink’s tactics have seen him play more in defence which has shone the spotlight on his performances and granted him a Bafana Bafana call-up.
“I see myself playing further forward, but as the coach said, he is now having his own game plan where he can see me and see me in the future,” said Martin.
“So now I am adapting to what he wants from me. I see myself as a right-back sometimes. Greedy? I must be greedy. But if I get my opportunity to upfront, I will score.”