Johannesburg - Wits midfielder Phumlani Ntshangase admits he needs to work harder to earn his place back in the first team after limited appearances this season.
Ntshangase has fallen down the pecking order below Thabang Monare and Xola Mlambo at the Clever Boys after suffering a thigh injury.
The 21 year-old was, however, in action for the university club at the Gauteng Champion of Champions tournament at the weekend.
"I know that I really have to double my efforts to get back into the team, especially now that the team is doing this well," Ntshangase told KickOff.
"I am the kind of player who even when not there I remain just as focused and involved in the team by way of supporting those that are playing.
"Look, I believe that during the time when you are not playing and the team is doing this well you become even more important as you have to be well prepared to get in and do the job just the right same way as the guys that have been playing.
"Right now when the team is doing as well as it is doing it means you cannot even fault the coach for not changing the team and all you do is push hard from your side.
"Since I came back I have been working on what I need to improve with my game so that when my chance comes I am a better player."
Gavin Hunt's side lead the PSL log standings by one point with two games in hand and will be looking to extend their lead at the top summit when they next face Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng stadium on Saturday.