Peter Leeuwenburgh: Cape Town City not a step back in my career

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Aug 18, 2018. 12:00

Cape Town City goalkeeper Peter Leeuwenburgh insists that playing in South Africa is not a step back in his career.

The former Dutch junior international was on the books of Eredivisie side AFC Ajax before he signed for the Citizens in July 2018.

A move from one of Europe’s most highly-regarded leagues to South Africa’s top flight could be interpreted as a backward step, but the 24-year-old argues otherwise.

“No, definitely not,” he is quoted by Kick-Off. “I’ve got the chance to play at the highest level in South Africa for one of the most beautiful clubs in the country, so I think it’s actually a step forward. I’m hoping to play a lot of games, so it’s definitely a step forward.”

Leeuwenbergh has kept two clean sheets in as many appearances for City so far this season and admitted that he was unsure of what to expect in regards to the quality of the Premier Soccer League.

“I just want to play games – that’s the most important for me,” he explained.

“I’d love to win a trophy with the team – we are working really hard. You don’t come to the training ground just to play for fun, you do it to win a game, and we hope to win a trophy.

“Besides football, this is a lifetime experience – Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and I hope to stay here for a long time.”

He added, “I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived, but the level surprised me and is pretty good. I think we could be competitive in the Dutch league as well, so the overall level is what surprised me.”