“My players were warriors. It was very difficult playing in such conditions, but I always trust them to overcome adversity,” said the Spaniard.
Cape Town coach Eric Tinkler said: “The match changed when we were reduced to 10 men,” referring to a straight red card shown to Keanu Cupido for a last-defender foul on 26 minutes.
Defeat was a major blow for Cape Town, who stayed seventh, whereas a victory would have lifted them to fourth.
Runaway leaders Mamelodi Sundowns look set for a seventh straight league title, but only six points separate second-placed Stellenbosch from Cape Town City.
Finishing runners-up secures a CAF Champions League place, and at least $700,000 (€650,000) in prize money. Only the winners of the South African league receive more.
On Saturday, Orlando Pirates trounced Golden Arrows 7-1 in Soweto to fall just short of equalling the Premiership record for the most goals by one team in a match.
SuperSport United defeated Zulu Royals 8-1 in 2004, and they and Manning Rangers scored seven each in other seasons.
Tshegofatso Mabasa, who recently rejoined Pirates from Soweto neighbours Moroka Swallows, scored a hat-trick, the third this season in 178 league matches.
His treble brought him level with Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro of Sundowns as the 10-goal leading Premiership scorers.
“I owe so much to my late father, who played a huge role in my development as a footballer,” said Mabasa.
“This Pirates squad has so much talent. All they lack sometimes is self belief,” he said of a club lying third, two points behind Stellenbosch having played one match more.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Twitter @ProsportInt