Ajax adds experience to squad

Ajax Cape Town are delighted that they have been able to infuse their youthful squad with much-needed experience ahead of another challenging, competitive PSL season.

Cape Town – Ajax Cape Town are delighted that they have been able to infuse their youthful squad with much-needed experience ahead of another challenging, competitive PSL season. The transfer window shut at midnight last night, but Ajax did some superb business before the close in signing seasoned campaigners Lebohang Mokoena and Mark Mayambela.

Mayambela, 28, was announced on Tuesday and, late on Wednesday, the Cape club finally concluded negotiations with 29-year-old Mokoena to seal the deal on a two-year contract for the player nicknamed ‘Cheeseboy’. Both Mayambela and Mokoena are established, battle-hardened names in the PSL - and their knowledge and ability will be major assets to Ajax’s drive for silverware this season.

Ajax, however, are confident that, in Mayambela and Mokoena, they have enticed two exciting footballers to the Mother City.

Mokoena spent six years at Orlando Pirates and seven at Mamelodi Sundowns. Khayelitsha-born Mayambela, a product of the Old Mutual Academy in Pinelands, has played for Bloemfontein Celtic, Pirates, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Chippa United and SuperSport United, and had a spell in Sweden with Djurgardens IF.

“Ajax have given me a totally different view of football,” said Mokoena. “They are very professional in everything they do, on and off the field. I was so impressed with the way the coaching staff and management handle things.”

As for the Mother City's other PSL club, Cape Town City, after a promising start to the campaign, there were no further additions to the squad.

“We are absolutely happy with the squad we have, which is why there was no need to do any business before the close of the transfer window,” said City boss John Comitis.

But Comitis used the opportunity to confirm that their MTN8 semi-final, second leg against Bidvest Wits will be played at Cape Town Stadium on September 17.

“There was a possibility that we may have had to play the fixture at Newlands because of the unavailability of Cape Town Stadium for that particular date,” said Comitis. “But the city has moved around its events programme to accommodate us, and the second leg of the semi-final will indeed be played in Green Point.” - The Star