Cape Town - Polokwane City defender Sibusiso Mbonani believes there has been an improvement in the team from last season, but admits more work needed to be done.
City conceded 60 goals last season, which was the worst record in the league. This season Rise and Shine allowed 43 goals, which is second to the 52 goals conceded by Maritzburg United.
The 13th placed City are relieved to have avoided the relegation dogfight after 30 points from 29 games.
"I think this season we did better in comparison to the former season but if we work hard more on our defence I'll be happy, and we need to also work more as a team when it comes to the latter," Mbonani told the club's official website.
"And there's no doubt that next season we will be in the top eight.
"I'm ecstatic that we survived relegation but this now means that we have to work even harder in the upcoming season and we need to collect points very early because fighting relegation is an uncomfortable feeling, especially for me because this is my first season with the team."
City will face Bloemfontein Celtic in their final match of the season at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 15:00.