It was a bit hectic at first, but now Putsche is right at home

AUSTRIAN midfielder Roland Putsche arrived in the Mother City with a big reputation. He had played for Wolfsberger AC in the Austrian Bundesliga, with whom he had also gained experience of competing in the Europa League.

After signing for Cape Town City a few months ago, the new PSL club raved about the quality of the footballer they had been able to attract. But it was always going to be a difficult adaptation for Putsche – football in Europe is very different to football in the PSL.

It’s taken a while, and the midfielder has had a few injury niggles too. But based on recent performances, it looks as if Putsche is ready to deliver for City. Today, City are in Port Elizabeth to face Chippa United (3.30pm kickoff) and Putsche is keen on continuing to make a contribution to their success.

There was a touch of serendipity to City’s capture of Putsche. The Austrian, who had been to Cape Town previously on holiday, had fallen in love with the city.

As a close friend of Bernd Steinhage, the German who runs the Young Bafana Soccer Academy in Somerset West, Putsche was keen to assist. After his contract with Wolfsberger AC ended, he decided to come down to the Cape to work with Young Bafana.

His intention was always to play some footy as well and with City just being established at the time, things worked out just perfectly when he offered his services to the new club.

“It feels like I have really settled down now,” Putsche said. “It was a little bit stressful and hectic in the beginning to sort out all the stuff, but now it feels like home and I can enjoy it. It was a big change coming down here, and it takes time to adapt to everything. But it’s getting better and better.”

Better it most certainly is. In recent games, Putsche’s composure in possession and his fantastic work ethic have really come to the fore. Having played in Europe, he is wellplaced to offer an opinion of football in the PSL.

“If I say there is no difference between football in the PSL and football in Europe, I would be lying. I think the focus is placed on different things and different attitudes,” he said.

“The individual quality in the PSL is massive, while, in Europe, it’s the work as a team and the tactics as a unit which is better.”

City have got off to a great start to the season. They are currently in fifth spot on the PSL standings and also in the semi-finals of the Telkom Knockout.

“I think there is a lot of quality in the City team and, importantly, we started off really well,” the Austrian added. “But I still believe that we can play better than we have. It takes time, though.

“As for Chippa (today), they will be tough. We know that we will need a top performance if we want to take the three points back home with us. But we are not flying there for a nice journey; our target against every opponent is to win the game, and it doesn’t matter if we play home or away.”