New Maritzburg coach Ernst Middendorp has warned his Ghanaian striker Mohammed Anas that he must step up his performance or he will lose his place in the South African top-flight side's starting team.

The German coach insists the performance of top players in the side will be crucial to the Team of Choice as they fight to beat relegation.

Martizburg are at the bottom of the table after winning just one match after scoring nine goals and conceding 24, in the 12 matches played so far.

Middendorp says Anas and other strikers in the squad must live up to expectation else they would have to consider other players for selection in the starting line-up.

“We know that players like Evans Rusike, Mohammed Anas have to perform, and Tawfeeq Salie will definitely be the option [in the next game against Supersport United].

Martizburg are in the market to augment their squad as the transfer window opened on 4 January.