Known for various misdemeanours and run-ins with management in the past, the 25-year-old has looked a different player for City in the early stages of the season.
After missing the first two matches of the campaign, Patosi has started all of City’s past seven games; his creativity and intelligence in the final third making a marked impact on his team, which culminated in two classy goals as he opened his season’s account in last week’s comeback 2-2 draw against Orlando Pirates.
“I’ve been waiting for the goals, and have been working hard in training,” the South African talent said.
“I had played a few games and hadn’t scored, and kept asking myself when I would score, and then finally against Pirates I scored twice. I hope many more goals are coming.”
When quizzed about his recent upturn in form compared to his past struggles, Patosi acknowledged that weight issues had been a problem, but says he has worked hard to get back to his best while cementing his place in the team.
“I think now I’m playing more games, and I’m working hard with the coach on small things I need to improve on,” he said.
“So I work closely with the coaching staff, who were telling me to push, especially with regards to my weight and stuff, and I’ve been pushing and am happy with everything, and they are happy as well. But most importantly I’m playing more games, and when you play more games, you get momentum and goals as well. I scored against Pirates, so hopefully I’ll get a few more goals.”
Patosi admits coming back from two goals down in their last match to snatch a draw against the Buccaneers has spurred his side on ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 final against SuperSport United. And he is confident his side will overcome the demons of last year and emerge victorious this time around.
“We [are] all ready,” he said. “I’m ready and the atmosphere at the club has been good after the draw against Pirates, and everyone is ready for the final, to go and win it.”