Cape Town City defender Tshepo Gumede has described playing under coach Benni McCarthy as a “nice rollercoaster ride”.

McCarthy, who took over the helm at City at the beginning of the campaign, guided the Citizens to a fifth place finish in the Absa Premiership in his first season in the PSL.

He also narrowly missed out on claiming the MTN8 trophy after scumming to a defeat in the final the final at the hands of SuperSport United.

Gumede says McCarthy allowed his side to be free and to play with freedom while admitting that he would’ve like to have more game time this campaign.

“It was a nice rollercoaster ride. He wanted us to be free and play with freedom on the pitch. There’s also the challenges of him learning through the campaign as it was his first stint as head coach,” Gumede said.

“It was a good season for the club, considering it’s only the second one in the PSL, and we’ve managed to stay in the top eight. Personally I would have liked to play more than I did.”