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Cape Town - Cape Town City manager John Comitis has issued a warning to attacking midfielder Ayanda Patosi to improve his discipline off the pitch or risk his career.
Patosi was left out of the squad for the 0-0 draw with SuperSport United this past weekend, reportedly because of missing training sessions without prior notice. In addition, the 25-year-old has struggled with his weight suggesting all may not be well with his lifestyle.
Comitis told Times LIVE: "His statistics on the pitch are great‚ you can see the return we have when he plays.
"There is no question about his ability‚ but it is more than ability that will get a player to be in a starting line-up and help us to win things.
"We have to be able to rely on players and be honest to everybody else who have put in a full shift.
"He had a few issues relating to his condition and he needs to man-up now and take responsibility‚ failing which we cannot have a player that keeps letting us down.
"He needs to understand we are here to support him but he needs to support himself as well. Coach (Benni McCarthy) will only consider him if he’s in the mental state to be considered.
"You have to understand that we have a coach that it is his first outing (season) and he puts a lot of emphasise on having respect from everyone.
"You can only gain respect when you are operating in a way that doesn't favour anyone and always keeps consistency in terms of certain principles.
"It is not up to us teach someone like Patosi‚ he knows exactly what is expected of him and he is a talent that should be playing for South Africa (regularly).
"He could make an absolute difference‚ but he needs to give his commitment first. We are here for him‚ but he needs to step up."
