HE LISTS two Belgian Cup triumphs on his CV as his biggest career achievements so far.
But it would be great for Ayanda Patosi to add the MTN8 Cup title to the list, which would be the first domestic silverware for the Cape Town City attacker.
Patosi is likely to start for CT City when they face SuperSport United in their MTN8 Cup final showdown at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (7pm).
The attacking midfielder has so far featured in all but one of eight matches for the Cape side since joining from Belgian side Lokeren in the off-season.
“It would be just great to win the MTN8 and set the tone for the season,” said Patosi. “It’s been a good start for me in the PSL. We are in a cup final and third in the league. We’ve done well as a team so far.
“The atmosphere at Cape Town Stadium has been great and that has lifted the team to greater performances. My family has been able to come support me now that I’m home. We need to win this for the club and our fans.”
Against United, City come up against cup specialists, a team that has reached eight cup finals, bagging four trophies in the last six years. Their last was delivered in July when they crushed Orlando Pirates 4-1 in the Nedbank Cup.
“They are a great team with many quality players and individual talent. And then there’s the experience and quality of Reneilwe Letsholonyane,” Patosi said. “I watched their Caf game last week and could tell it will be a tough final.
“But in Benni (McCarthy) we have a great coach, a winner who has instilled a winning mentality in us. He is easy to communicate with off the field and can relate and deal with the challenges players face.”
At 24, Patosi still dreams of a return to Europe, but not before he achieves his goals. “I don’t regret coming here one bit. I’ve certainly made the right decision,” he said.
“Local players are tactical and skilful. They can keep the ball, not run a lot like the Belgians. I enjoy playing here and I am looking to win my first local trophy on Saturday.”
Since his debut four years ago, Patosi has been in and out of Bafana Bafana. But he is determined to make a permanent return to the national team soon.
City have in the meantime confirmed that Lehlohonolo Majoro and Roland Putsche have both passed fitness tests and will be available for the showpiece.
