Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy says his decision to pair Teko Modise with Roland Putsche in midfield was entirely based on their quality and level of experience, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Citizens got their Absa Premiership campaign off to a winning start after claiming a comfortable 2-0 victory over SuperSport United at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

City managed to collect all three points in their opening game after Putsche scored a stunning volley before substitute Craig Martin sealed the victory in the second half.

McCarthy, who is in his second campaign at City, says he could not choose a standout performer as he believes his entire squad stuck to their game plan and performed well on the day.

‘On the whole, I don’t have a standout performer. I can’t be able to sit here and say “this one” or “that one” was Man of the Match, McCarthy told TFGSoccerClub.

‘It was difficult to pick because they all stuck to their task of what was set out in the dressing room and did what was expected from them.’

The 40-year-old coach went on to explain the reason behind pairing Modise alongside Putsche in the central midfield position.

‘Teko was supposed to be the leader and he showed his quality to make us play, to keep the calmness and composure if players go into “panic mode”.

‘He’s been the player that’s been at the highest level [World Cup]… and that’s why we paired the two of them up.

‘They had to keep everybody calm and they did that superbly. It’s good leadership from them.’

The former Orlando Pirates striker believes captain Thamsanqa Mkhize did exceptionally well and felt no added pressure, despite leading the team in their opening PSL fixture of the season.

‘The captain [Mkhize] was exceptional. He had a difficult task against [Evans] Rusike, who is good, big, strong and quick, but he held his own.

‘I think the armband didn’t seem to trouble him that much,’ McCarthy concluded.

Cape Town City will next travel to Baroka when the two sides meet at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday, with kick-off set for 7:30pm.

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix