Maritzburg United head coach Mandla Ncikazi remains hopeful of securing the work permit for Ghana defender John Pantsil soon.

The Team of Choice are second-bottom on the league table after three matches in the Absa Premiership with two defeats and a draw.

Pantsil’s absence alongside Brian Onyango and Evans Rusike have been sorely missed by Ncikazi.

The former Fulham player was a key man for Maritzburg as he featured in 27 matches for the PSL side.