City are out to skin Leopards

Citizens’ wanted man Putsche eager to step up his game

CAPE Town City have something to build on when they host Black Leopards in an Absa Premiership fixture at the Cape Town Stadium tomorrow (3.30pm).

After winning the MTN8 competition in September, the Cape side experienced a bit of a slump in form and they particularly battled to put the ball into the back of the net.

Two weeks ago, however, normal service was resumed when City cruised past AmaZulu 3-0.

The confidence was back, the passing game was in operation and, even more importantly, the goals arrived.

It’s that confidence the Citizens want to build on tomorrow. They want to maintain the momentum of the victory over AmaZulu – and Austrian midfielder Roland Putsche is optimistic of another good showing from the Capetonians.

“After our last performance against AmaZulu, we will be well prepared for this one against Leopards,” said Putsche.

“I think even more important than that last win was the fact that we showed what we can do as a team. We have the talent. We also wanted to score more than one goal – and we did that.

“Now the challenge is just to continue in the same way.”

The 27-year-old Austrian is in his third season with City, having signed shortly after the establishment of the club in 2016.

In that time, he has become an influential member of the team; when fit and available, he is the first name on coach Benni McCarthy’s team sheet.

Because Leopards are a newly-promoted side, this will be the first time Putsche comes up against the team from the Limpopo Province.

Three seasons ago, when he arrived in the PSL, Leopards were playing in the First Division.

“I’m looking forward to it (game against Leopards),” said the Austrian.

“It’s the first time I play against them - but, luckily, we will be playing at home – because I’ve heard that it is a mission to play them away.

“With regard to my form this season, I think I’ve been a bit up and down. As a player, I love consistency. I’ve had some decent games and I’ve had some good games but there is lots of room for improvement.”

Putsche is hoping the step-up in his game, when he performs at his best, will arrive against Leopards tomorrow.

Looking ahead, though, the big question is whether City will be able to hang on to the reliable, hard-working Austrian.

His contract is up at the end of the season and Putsche admits there are other suitors for his services.

“There are opportunities, but I’m in no hurry to make a decision,” said Putsche.

“There’s no stress – I have a good relationship with the boss (City owner John Comitis), and Cape Town is my second home. So when I make a decision on my future, City will be the first to know.

“For now, though, it doesn’t mean that I’m leaving, and it doesn’t mean that I’m staying.”