Cape Town City chairman John Comitis has challenged Kermit Erasmus to step up after joining the Citizens on a two-year deal, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The 28-year-old returned to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) after the Citizens announced his signing from Portuguese outfit Vitoria de Setubal.

However, Erasmus will only be eligible to play for the Citizens at the start of the year, as he was signed outside the transfer window.

The former Orlando Pirates front-man has spent the last three years in Europe playing for the likes of Stade Rennais, Athletic Eskilstuba and Vitoria Setubal, while spending time on loan at RC Lens.

The clubs chairman revealed that it took the club three days to complete his move to City, while admitting that Benni McCarthy coaching the club also played its role in his return to South Africa.

‘It literally took us 72 hours to complete the deal with Kermit. He had two options. We met his financial offer. As you know every deal has its procedure,’ Comitis said.

‘We had to follow that procedure. Kermit has already made up his mind. Having Benni (McCarthy) as the coach made it easier to get Kermit.

‘We all know what Kermit is capable of. We won’t put any unnecessary added pressure on him. He knows that he needs to step up. We want him to find the back of the net and we will be happy.

He added: ‘Our PSL pays good salaries. We pay some of the salaries that small teams or countries don’t offer in Europe. That’s why it is now easy to attract European-based players.

‘Our league is now quality. So, why must a player stay in Europe whereas he knows that he is going to be well paid in South Africa. It is no longer like before.’

Meanwhile, Comitis went on to say that Tokelo Rantie is currently sorting some personal issues and remains a City player, although he is yet to make his debut after joining the club as a free agent since  parting ways with Turkish side Genclerbirligi.

‘We haven’t terminated his contract. He has some personal problems that he needs to sort out. We’ve given him a breathing space,’ he revealed.

Cape Town City will be hoping to return to winning ways when they welcome Bloemfontein Celtic to Cape Town Stadium in the Absa Premiership on Saturday, with kick-off set for 6pm.