Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy says he is happy to see his side getting their “winning feeling” back after a “miserable” run of results during February.

The Citizens succumbed to four consecutive defeats in the Absa Premiership during the month of February, which saw them drift further apart from log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who currently have 43 points after 23 games played so far this season.

McCarthy admits that the team’s morale has been boosted after claiming three straight wins against Chippa United, Costa Do Sol and Orlando Pirates respectively.

“The players were pretty miserable – myself included – and I didn’t want to show my face anywhere after our four losses on the trot,” McCarthy admitted.

“It was awful taste in my mouth. But now that we are winning again, everyone is happy, the players are showing off their muscles, they are out and about, posing for selfies for Instagram … they are getting that winning feeling, and that’s the feeling I want the players to have.

“Players probably do the most difficult job you can find out there – these guys play every single weekend, sometimes midweek, and the pressure that comes with it, having to perform every time you play in front of your supporters, that’s no joke. You need a big heart to do that. So when you do well, of course, you want to be seen, loved and appreciated, as sometimes you don’t always get the best response from the fans.”

Cape Town City will now welcome Costa Do Sol to Athlone Stadium when the two side’s lock horns in the second leg of their Caf Confederation Cup clash on Sunday, with kick-off set for 16:00.