Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy has urged his side to be more ruthless and fearless when creating chances in the final third, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Citizens advanced to the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals after claiming a comfortable 3-0 victory over Highlands Park at Cape Town Stadium on Friday evening.

Goals from Thamsanqa Mkhize, Craig Martin and an own goal by Marlon Heugh saw the Lions of the North’s journey come to an end in the tournament.

McCarthy says he was impressed with his side’s showing on Friday, but wants his players to be ‘on top of their game’ in every single game.

‘We can’t allow teams to have more chances against us, we need to be more ruthless and more fearless when we have the ball – we need to be on top of our game at all times,’ Benni said.

Meanwhile, McCarthy also gave an update on Thabo Nodada and Roland Putsche, who sustained injuries during their clash against the Lions of the North.

‘Thabo is limping and a little bit bruised, but he should be okay for the next match, the boy is a fighter. Putsche pushed himself hard in the last few weeks, today we made a tactical change – his injury doesn’t look good, but we will have to wait and hear from our doctor.’

Cape Town City will now turn their attention back to the Absa Premiership when they welcome Maritzburg United to Athlone Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off set for 3:30pm.

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix