ayanda patosi

Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates fouled by Ayanda Patosi of Cape Town City during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on 19 September 2018 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

PSL news: City coach hails heroic Ayanda Patosi after Pirates clash

Cape Town City assistant coach Vasili Manousakis had high prasie for Ayanda Patosi after his brace inspired the men in blue to a remarkable comeback against Orlando Pirates on Wednesday night.

ayanda patosi

Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates fouled by Ayanda Patosi of Cape Town City during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on 19 September 2018 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Cape Town City went to last night’s clash against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium severely depleted in personnel, both on the field and in the dugout, but managed to return with a point, thanks to star forward Ayanda Patosi.

Having lost key defender Taariq Fielies to suspension, the men from the Mother City were dealt a huge blow the day before the match, as coach Benni McCarthy could not join the travelling party as he had to tend to his wife, who had to be admitted to hospital after a collapsed lung.

Assistant coach Vasili Manousakis had to step in and marshall the charges, who looked well and truly out of the contest with barely 20 minutes played as the hosts raced to a 2-0 lead and enjoyed an overwhelming majority of the possession for much of the first half.

Ayanda Patosi inspires City to remarkable comeback

However, the Citizens managed to claw their way back to the contest, thanks to a second-half brace from Patosi, which included a stunning half-volley from the edge of the box, followed by a goal from a set piece which ensured things ended deadlocked at 2-2.

Manousakis sings Patosi’s praises

Manousakis sang the star attacking midfielder’s praises, calling him one of the best playmakers in the league.

“With Pato, it really is just a fitness issue, he is trying to work hard, he’s lost 2kg, and so we have seen some improvement,” Manousakis said.

“He is not the quickest player in the PSL, but he is deadly, and he always offers you something.

“The delivery is unbelievable from Pato and the second goal, he has delivered, and you can’t take that away from him. We are on his case because he is one of the best No 10s in the league.

“If you look at losing Lebo Manyama in that position and you look around and is there anyone else that you want? It’s Ayanda Patosi, but you want top conditions,”

Cape Town City are not in action this weekend, with their next fixture the big MTN8 final against Supersport United on Saturday, 29 September.