Ajax Cape Town FC

Weekly youth program released

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:26:00 +0200

The Youth Program for the week has just been released and the piuck of the games in the week ahead must most certainly be those against a visiting Argentinean team.

Youth Program for this week is as follows:

Monday 6 September 2010
Ajax Cape Town U17 vs Avendale U19 @ Ikamva – Kick off 19h00 – CTTFA League match

Tuesday 7 September 2010
Ajax Cape Town U15 vs Argentinean U15 Team @ Ikamva – Kick off 18h30 – Friendly

Wednesday 8 September 2010
Ajax Cape Town U12 vs Argentinean U12 Team @ Ikamva – Kick off 17h15 – Friendly
Ajax Cape Town U13 vs Argentinean U13 Team @ Ikamva – Kick off 16h30 – Friendly

Thursday 9 September 2010
Ajax Cape Town U17 vs Blaauwberg U17 @ Ikamva – Kick off 19h00 – CTTFA League match

Saturday 11 September 2010
Ajax Cape Town U11 vs Old Mutual U11 @ Ikamva – Kick off 09h50 – CTTFA League match
Ajax Cape Town U13 vs Old Mutual U13 @ Ikamva – Kick off 10h40 – CTTFA League match
Ajax Cape Town U15 vs Old Mutual U15 @ Ikamva – Kick off 11h35 – CTTFA League match

U17 Coke Cup
Ajax Cape Town U17 vs (Bluedown Spurs vs Invincible Cravenby FC) venue TBA

Ajax Cape Town U19
Jomos Power vs Ajax Cape Town U19 @ Atlantis – Kick off 15h00 – Vodacom League match

Monday 13 September 2010
Ajax Cape Town U12 vs Rygersdal U13 @ Rygersdal – Kick off 18h00 – CTTFA League match
Ajax Cape Town U17 vs Tableview U19 @ Tableview – Kick off 19h00 – CTTFA League match

MTN8 semi-final tickets available

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:56:00 +0200

Tickets for the MTN8 semi-final clash between Ajax Cape Town and Moroka Swallows are now on sale at Computicket as well as various Shoprite/Checkers stores.

The MTN8 semi-finals are played over two-legs. The first leg will be played at Athlone Stadium on Sunday 12 September kick-off is at 15h00

The second-leg on September 25 (Saturday) at Dobsonville Stadium and the game is scheduled for 15h00

Tickets are priced at R40 for Adults while children U12 pay R10. All seats are unreserved.

To book got to; http://www.computicket.com/web/event/ajax_cape_town_vs_moroka_swallows/226859342?referer=/highlights/index/5/0/0/grid/.

Ajax youth in fine finish

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:36:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town’s youth teams finished their league season in fine fashion as they won two out of their three league fixtures played on Saturday September 04, 2010.

In the first game of the day, the Ajax U11 team dispatched of De Beers FC 4-0 while the Ajax U12 team beat Blaauwberg FC 3-2.

Blaauwberg’s U15’s team reversed the result in their game to beat off a firm challenge by their Ajax counterparts to win 2-1.

Meanwhile in Grassy Park the Ajax Cape Town U17 team won through to the last 16 round of Coca Cola Cup by beating Muizenberg Utd 2-0.

Ajax Cape Town, the reigning Coke Cup Champions will meet the winners of the Bluedown Spurs vs Invincible Cravenby FC game in the last 16 round at a date and venue to be announced.

Results

CTTFA League
De Beers U11 vs Ajax Cape Town U11 @ De Beers – 0-4
Blaauwberg U13 vs Ajax Cape Town U12 @ Blaauwberg – 2-3
Blaauwberg U15 vs Ajax Cape Town U15 1 @ Blaauwberg – 2-1

Coke Cup
Ajax Cape Town U17 2 vs Muizenberg Utd @ 0 Grassy Park – 2-0

Ajax and Swallows go head to head

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:19:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town plays Moroka Swallows on Wednesday evening for the first of three games between these two teams before the end of this month.

On Wednesday 08 September at 20h00 Ajax and Swallows play in a PSL League game at the Dobsonville Stadium and then they face-off in the first of a two-leg MTN8 semi-final.

The first MTN8 semi-final will be played at the Athlone Stadium on September 12, 2010 and the second on the weekend of September 25/26 at the Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg.

Head to head, these two teams have produced some great games, the last when Ajax beat Swallows 2-1 at home in retaliation of the 2-1 defeat at hands of Swallows in the previous encounter in Johannesburg.

These two teams have met ten times since 19 February 2006 when Ajax thumped Swallows 5-1 in Johannesburg, since then both teams have won 5 games a piece. This statistic will ensure that Wednesday evening game will be a thrilling encounter as both sets of players will look to break the deadlock to gain an advantage of the MTN8 semi-finals.

In an earlier interview with ajaxct.com., Brett Evans the Ajax Cape Town captain said, “Our players look really sharp this season and winning the first of our two games of the new season has boosted the confidence of our squad.

We have a well balanced squad and the players are familiar with each other’s playing style. We play as a unit and fight for each other through-out the ninety minutes of every game.”

Shooz Mekuto the Ajax PRO said, “We are looking forward to playing our first away game of the new season. This will give all our fans up north their first glimpse of our new squad and I urge all the Urban Warriors across the Vaal to come to the Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday and get behind your team.

Local fans can be assured that the Urban Warriors will be keen to bring home all three points and boost their chances of gaining an edge ahead of the first leg of the MTN8 game here in Cape Town.”

Evans talks to Ajaxct.com

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:46:00 +0200

I am excited about the new season ahead because our pre-season training sessions have gone very well. It was the longest preseason we have ever had, eight weeks of working hard and we started off with a bang. This is the most exciting start to the new season in a long time.

Our Coach is very innovative in his coaching methods, we doing new things almost every day and he pays a lot of attention to detail, even the smallest detail. An example of this is, recently he had us practising sliding tackles – the first time we ever did this in a practise session.

Our technical team have tons of experience, I don’t know how many pre-seasons Foppe had but we can already feel the benefit. The players are much fitter and the guys are looking really strong. We working a lot in the gym and on the training field, and I believe that all this hard work will pay-off in the long run.

Last season we struggled at the start of the season due to the uncertainty regarding the coaching position at Ikamva. This year we are settled, the coach has been with us for a while now and the players are getting used to his work ethic.

Our first game of the new season was the MTN8 quarter-final and the second was at a packed Cape Town Stadium.

We could not have asked for a better start to the new season.

Last season we won our first game, five games into the new season. This season it is different as we won our first two games of the new season.

Our first, against Sundowns at the Athlone Stadium in the MTN8 competition, we won 2-1 and we followed that performance with a win against Bloemfontein Celtic in our opening ABSA Premiership game at the Cape Town Stadium, we won 2-0.

On the player’s front, the squad is well balanced with youth and experience. We have been training together for a long time and that helps on the field of play. The players are familiar with each others style of play and this is a big plus when the pressure is increased during a game.

We want to have a good season this year, the players are all eager to get some game time and to impress the coach thereby ensuring a good spirit in the dressing and on the pitch.

I feel good because I have been working hard at recovering. I haven’t felt the groin for a long time and I felt very comfortable during the game. That is a big plus as I have not felt this way in a long time. You know I have been out for nine months so yes; it’s good to be back.

As the captain, I try to pride myself in my set-pieces; the coach gave me a responsibility and this helps the confidence. When we got the penalty, I stepped up because I was confident in hitting the back of the net.

I spend long hours practising my free-kicks and set pieces so I picked my spot and succeeded with the spot-kick. It was a great feeling scoring that goal in front of 45 000 fans at home.

The 2010/2011 season is longer than that of last season. This will ensure that we will have more recovery time between games.

I am excited going into the new season and believe we will achieve much this year.

Youth set for thrilling finish

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:27:00 +0200

The season for Ajax Cape Town’s Youth Academy teams is drawing to a close and the scene is set for a thrilling finish.

In the League competitions, the Ajax Cape Town teams all play a year higher than their normal competitive age eg; the Ajax U15’s play in the U17 league and they disappointed.

In the Junior Colts League the Ajax team is in second place just three points off the pace with a game in hand and this year the League title will be decided on goal difference.

The Ajax U17 Super league team is currently in fourth position with 25 points from 14 games, the L1 U15 Super League log shows Ajax in a position third from bottom however this team has shown tenacity when it counted in the Knockout competition.

The last two Ajax team’s the M1 U13 and N1 U11 Super league teams are both in second position. The M1 U13 team has 35 points from 14 games with one more game to play while the N1 U11 team finished on 42 points from 15 games.

On the other-hand the complexion of the knockout competition is quite different; all the Ajax Cape Town Youth teams will contest the finals on September 25, 2010 at the Fish Hoek Sports Fields.

What makes this accomplishment even more satisfying for all the Ajax coaches involved is that the Ajax Cape Town teams are all playing against teams in their own age group.

Maarten Stekelenburg the Head of Youth at Ajax Cape Town said, “Competing in the Knock-Out finals is always important for the club because the players are playing within their own age group. As you know these teams play in a higher age group in the league competition to stimulate the players to be more competitive.

Therefore the knockout competition gives the Ajax Youth Academy’s technical staff a clear indication of the strength our teams within their own age groups.

Looking at the knock-out fixtures you can see that Ajax Cape Town play against Old Mutual in all but one of the finals, the U15 team play Avendale Athletico in their final after they beat Old Mutual in the Semi-finals.”

So the scene is set for some exciting youth football in Fish Hoek on Saturday 25 September however Ajax Cape Town U17 team will start the defence of the U17 Coke Cup title when they play Muizenberg United at the 9th Avenue Sports field in Grassy Park on Saturday September 04, 2010.”

The fixtures are;

Saturday, 04 September 2010
CTTFA League Matches
De Beers U11 vs Ajax Cape Town U11 @ De Beers – Kick off 09h50. Blaauwberg U13 vs Ajax Cape Town U12 @ Blaauwberg – Kick off 10h40.
Blaauwberg U15 vs Ajax Cape Town U15 @ Blaauwberg – Kick off 11h35.

Saturday, 04 September 2010
U17 Coke Cup
Ajax Cape Town U17 vs Muizenberg Utd @ 9th Avenue, Grassy Park – Kick off 11h30

Monday 6 September 2010
CTTFA League Matches
Ajax Cape Town U17 vs Avendale U19 @ Ikamva – Kick off 19h00 – CTTFA League match

Saturday February 25, 2010 Fish Hoek Sports Grounds
Youth Knockout Finals

U/11 SUPER
Old Mutual vs Ajax Cape Town - FISH HOEK A @ 10:00

U/13 SUPER
Ajax Cape Town vs Old Mutual FISH HOEK A @ 11:20

U/15 SUPER
Avendale Athletico A vs Ajax Cape Town FISH HOEK A @ 14:00

U/15 SUPER
Old Mutual vs Ajax Cape Town - FISH HOEK A @ 15:30

Cape fans loving local..

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:11:00 +0200

The Cape Town Stadium was ablaze with colour and the sound of vuvuzela’s as more than 45 000 football fans packed into the Cape Town Stadium to enjoy the opening games of the new PSL season.

Fans streamed into the stadium from 16h00 when the gates opened and as one respected journalist reported “The Gees is back”. Parents arrived in their numbers with their children on tow, waving flags with painted faces and dressed in their favourite team’s colours.

An added attraction for local fans, unable to afford a World Cup ticket, enjoyed the World Cup fan Walk that was activated by the City for this game. The Fan Walk was abuzz with entertainers from Stilt Walkers, Fan Stalls, Fire Jugglers, the Cape Minstrels, Musicians and Food Stalls etc all added to the “Gees”.

Many fans were new-comers to the Cape Town Stadium and to local football, attracted by the aggressive marketing that included local print media and radio stations.

While many venues across the country struggled to attract a sizable crowd for their respective fixtures, Capetonians bought 30 000 tickets for this game by midweek ahead of the game and when it became apparent that ticket sales would reach the 40 000 mark, the match organisers increased the ticket sale allocation to 45 000 and that too was snapped up by eager fans.

Football fans in Cape Town hit back at their “critics” by supporting local teams in their numbers and if this “Gees” is an indicator of what is to come, then we can proudly announce that the Mother City proudly “Loving Local” football.

Ajax 4 for U23 friendly

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:45:00 +0200

Four Ajax Cape Town players have been selected for the South African U23 squad to play Zimbabwe on Saturday, September 04, 2010 in Zimbabwe.

The four players are Sameehg Doutie, Thulani Hlatshwayo, George Maluleke and Thulani Serero.

These four players have been in top form for the Urban Warriors in their frirst few games of the new season.

George Maluleke won the Man of the Match award against a much fancied Mamelodi Sundowns in the first round of the MTN8 competition. Maluleke formed a formidable partnership with Granwald Scott in the heart of the Ajax midfield as they outplayed their more experienced counterparts.

Thulani Hlatshwayo played a vital role in the defence for the urban Warriors in their opening fixture of the new PSL season. He slotted in at right back when Nazeer Allie moved across to a more central position.

Thulani Serero and Sameehg Doutie need no introduction to local football lovers. The pair have terrorised their opposition in tandem often switching positions. They also enjoyed a pre-season trial in Amsterdam and despite impressing they returned to Cape Town to entertain the local fans.

Serero already opened his scoring account for the Urban Warriors when he scored against Celtic while Doutie has already impressed with his workman like performances in Holland and at home.

The Ajax four left for camp on Sunday August 29 and will return by September 06, 2010 in time for the Ajax game against Moroka Swallows on Wednesday September 08 at the Dobsonville Stadium.

Ajax wins | season opener

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 02:26:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town got their 2010/2011 season off with a good start by claiming all three points from their first game of the season.

The Urban Warriors beat a plucky Bloemfontein Celtic side at the Cape Town Stadium on Friday August 27, 2010.

Approximately 45 000 football fans packed into the Cape Town Stadium to watch the first games of the new PSL season and the teams did not disappoint, Pirates just managed to keep Vasco at bay but it was the Urban Warriors who sounded out a warning to the rest of the PSL teams with a workman-like display of team-work to put 2 goals past the Celtic keeper and grab all three points.

Thulani Serero scored the first goal for Ajax in the 34th minute when he hit a low shot from the edge of the box into the back of the Celtic net to send the home fans into frenzied celebrations.

The second half was much the same as the first with Ajax probing for an opening, however it was the home team that was given a scare when Moses Spandeel beat Vonk with a well placed shot only to see the ball hit the cross-bar to fly high and wide.

Pressure by the home side resulted in Serero being fouled in the penalty area, the referee pointed to the spot and Brett Evans slotted home the resultant to give Ajax a 2-0 victory.

We are better this season � de Haan.

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:48:00 +0200

Our preparations have gone very well and we trained very hard for the last eight weeks so the boys are really fit. It’s a pity we did not have a lot of competitive games at a high level during our pre-season but looking back at our first official game last week, I am very happy with the performance of the players.

They played really well but now the players need to look at how to compliment each other on the field. We changed our training regime quite a bit; did a lot of strength training, passing the ball and we worked on the technical aspects of our game.

It will take a while to see the changes and/or improvement in our play but I know that this will happen. The cooperation with my technical and medical staff is working very well because they are working very hard to ensure that the players are well prepared and in peak form.

Last season we finished in seventh place but I believe we are better than last season. We are better than last season, because last season we had three trainers with the team but this season I was able to plan the pre-season in detail with my ideas and the players are much fitter now.

Last season we also played a lot of games over a shorter period of time, with irregular time periods between games. This season we will play the same amount of games over a longer time and the players will be able to get some recovery time between games.

We have lost a few players in Lance Davids Clifford Ngobeni and Dipsy Selolwane. We have had to work with a new midfield combination with George and Granwald doing well in our first game.

We have talented players, young players, a bit inexperienced with a lot to learn, but they are really good. So I think we will finish in the top five.

Last season we were in two cup finals; MTN8 and this season we have to get our revenge then the Telkom Knockout we also finished in the final, it was a good game.

This season with a little bit of luck we will once again be in a Cup Final and win one of these trophies.

Sibisi moves to United

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:20:00 +0200

Striker, Diyo Sibisi, has agreed to the terms offered by Matitzburg United, and the player will move to KwaZulu-Natal with immediate effect.

The Ajax Cape Town striker moved to United on a load deal with an option by the club to make the deal permanent.

Sibisi played 24 games for Ajax Cape Town last season scoring some vital goals.

Another Ajax Cape Town player joining Sibisi at Maritzburg United is David Booysen, a defender and brother of a current Ajax defender who spent time at Maritzburg last season, Mario.

David transferred to Maritzburg after he agreed to personal terms with the club.

Open Youth trails this Sunday

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:47:00 +0200

In keeping with the philosophy “No youth, No Future”, Ajax Cape Town will be hosting open trials this Sunday, of August, 29th 2010.

The trials will be held at Ikamva, Ajax Cape Town’s training grounds, in Parow.

Ajax invites all trialists wishing to take part in the open trials to arrive a 45 minutes earlier than the scheduled starting time for their respective age groups.

Scouting forms an integral part of the Youth Development at the club, with the open trials giving young aspiring footballers the opportunity to showcase their skills.

John Rowley, the Head of Scouting at Ajax Cape Town says; “The objective of the day is to find kids with real potential, looking specifically at natural attributes such as speed and physique, as well as touch and technique”.

The times for the open trials are as follows:

Year (1999 - 1998) 09h30 – 11h00 (Trialists to be at Ikamva by 09h00)

Year (1997 - 1996) 11h30 – 13h00 (Trialists to be at Ikamva by 11h00)

Year (1995 - 1994) 13h30 – 15h00 (Trialists to be at Ikamva by 13h00)

All participating trialists are to bring their own playing kit.

Ajax signs Amajita midfielder

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:49:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is taking full advantage of the time left before the transfer window closes by signing Thato Mokeke.

Thato agreed to terms for a two-year contract with the club. He said, “Playing for Ajax Caper Town is the beginning of new things for me. I like their playing style and I will fit in well with their game-plan.

My preferred position is the central midfield position but I can play on the left side of the midfield too. My ambition is to contribute to the success of the club by assisting my team to win trophies.”

Mokeke formerly with Supersport United, is a product of their Youth Academy. He was at the Academy from the age of 13 and was on trial at Feyenoord FC in Holland.

Thato has represented South Africa at U20 level in the COSAFA U20 Championship that took place in Soweto in 2009.

Ajax play the Birds - MTN8 semi's

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:35:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town have been drawn to play Moroka Swallows at home in the first leg of their MTN8 fixture.

The Urban Warriors will play the Birds in Cape Town on September 11th or 12th, while the return leg is scheduled for the weekend of September 25th or 26th.

In the other semi-final, Kaizer Chiefs will face Orlando Pirates.

Pirates will play at home for the first leg against Chiefs.

The draw was conducted at the MTN headquarters in Fairland earlier today.

The exact dates and venues will be confirmed later this week.

Clean sweep in KO semi's

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:39:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town’s youth teams continued where their PSL counterparts left off and made a clean sweep of all their games in the semi-finals of the CTTFA Knock-Out Cup Competitions.

The scores were as follows;
Ajax Cape Town U11beat Vasco da Gama 1-0
Ajax Cape Town U13 beat Durbanville 2-1
Ajax Cape Town 15 beat Old Mutual 4-0
Ajax Cape Town U17 beat Edgemead 1-0

The CTTFA Knockout finals will be [played at the Fish Hoek sports grounds next Saturday August 28, 2010.

Ajax edge Downs in MTN8

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 01:20:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town started the new season on a high note when they beat the much fancied Mamelodi Sundowns to advance to the next round of the MTN8 competition.

The game was played at a high tempo however it lacked a goal in regulation time.

The game had a few highlights in regulation time, Ajax controlled the game in the opening minutes but scoring opportunities were scarce.

Mphela could have opened the scoring in the first quarter but Vonk cleared the danger when he saved at the player’s feet.

On the other end Doutie ‘s shot was saved by Marlin.

Sundowns threatened but the compact Ajax formation in the middle of the park prevented Sundowns from enjoying too much time on the ball. The new midfield partnership of Maluleke and Granwald Scott closed down the spaces quickly and this disrupted the Downs game-plan.

Ajax Cape Town opened the scoring late in the first half of extra time when Terror Fanteni got the final touch in a goal mouth scramble to give Ajax the lead, however their joy was short lived as Sundowns struck back immediately via the boot of Mphela.

The score remained at 1-1 until the final whistle.

Hans Vonk saved the first penalty of Sundowns from Mabudi Khenyeza with Evans, Lolo, and Fanteni all scoring for the home team.

Calvin Marlin saved from Billiat and Lewis to give Sundowns hope.

Ajax then went on to win in a sudden death penalty shootout after George Maluleke scored his penalty and Esrom Nyandoro of Sundowns blasted his penalty over the bar to send the Ajax fans into wild celebration as Ajax won 4-3.

George Maluleke won the MTN8 Man of the Match Award for his efforts during the game.

Betfair supports Community Scheme

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:20:00 +0200

Through a partnership with Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT), Betfair is helping to support communities local to Premier Soccer League clubs. Ajax Cape Town, Bidvest Wits and Amazulu are 3 clubs which are supported to deliver diversionary activities within targeted areas. The funding will allow community coaches who teach football and important life skills in Townships within South Africa. This programme makes a real difference by providing coaching programmes, diverting young people away from crime and disorder and promoting community cohesion.

It’s great for a company like Betfair to play such an active role outside the UK and committing to a sustainable project started by CACT which has a real impact in the communities we work and on the young people we engage. We look forward to a successful partnership with CACT and Betfair and to seeing the continued growth of this programme.

Terror signs for Ajax

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:31:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce that Terror Fanteni has signed a three year deal with the club.

Fanteni rushed from a training session at the Athlone Stadium to Ikamva to finalise the deal and he was pleased to put an end to the negotiations with the club.

George Comitis the Ajax CEO said, “We glad to have secured the signature of Terror Fanteni and we plan to get him back into the Bafana fold.

We may not be able to field him on Friday for the MTN8 game as we are still waiting on his international clearance in time, however the long wait to secure his signature is over and we can look forward to some exciting football and goals from our new signings”.

The Ajax coach Foppe de Haan was more than happy with Ajax Cape Town’s latest acquisition, he said “Terror is a quality player, he have a good first touch, holds the ball up well and he knows where the goal posts are.”

Ajax gears up for MTN8

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:33:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town’s preparations for the start of the new season stepped up a gear as they plan a raid on the MTN8 competition.

The Urban Warriors take on Mamelodi Sundowns on Friday evening at the Athlone Stadium at 20h00 and Foppe de Haan is confident that his team is ready for action.

Ajax played Vasco in a practise game earlier today and Ajaxct.com spoke to the coach after the game.

De Haan said, “In our friendly today, our performance was not too bad but at this stage it has to be good because we start on Friday.

I was not too happy with our first half display so I changed things around and we improved a lot in the second half. The players are a lot fitter than last year, we had a good pre-season and this can count in our favour.

I am satisfied with the performance of the players today. We did not play all of our players in the practise game but that allowed me to have a look at some of the other players contesting for a place in the starting line-up.

We made a lot of improvement over the past few weeks and can only get better as we play more games. We trained a lot on different aspects of our game and we looked comfortable on the ball.

The players have improved their technique, we are releasing the ball at the right times and this is good for our game.

Sundowns have a good quality side and this will be a tough game. They are a big team with some big players, they will come here and play on the counter so we have to be aware and very clever with the use of the ball when we in possession.

I think we know everything we need to know about Sundowns but its not so easy for them because we have a lot of different players now and I have changed a few things with our playing style, so if you played for Ajax before like the three ex-Ajax players in their squad it will not matter.

Everyone is fit no injuries and I hope that the team will play a good game.”

Youth Results - Week 3 August 2010

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:12:00 +0200

Friday 13 August 2010

FRIENDLY MATCH

Ajax CT U19 beat Robinvale 1 - 0

Saturday 14 August 2010

ALL LEAGUE MATCHES

Ajax CT U11 team beat Durbanville U11 6 – 1

Goal scorers – Shakeel Van Reenen, Courtney Williams 2x, Jaqueel De Jager, Athini Acaki 2x, Mbulelo Nquru

Ajax CT U12 team beat Kensington U13 6 – 0

Goal scorers – Zaahir Witbooi 2x, Cobain Johns, Vernon Perries, James Thomas, Keenan Abrahams

Ajax CT U15 team beat Durbanville U15 7 – 0

Goal scorers – Ziyaad Eksteen 2x, Riyaad Norodien 2x, Chester Arendse 2x, Curtly Poole

Ajax CT U17 team beat Durbanville U17 2 - 1

Goal scorers – Sanele Mthembu, Dillan Fransch

Sunday 15 August 2010

Coke Cup Match

Ajax CT U17 team beat Codesa 2 - 0

Goal scorers – Michael Kwong, Byron Thomas

UPCOMING FIXTURES:

Thursday 19 August 2010

Ajax CT U19 vs Ikapa @ Ikamva Kick off 19h00 (Friendly match)

Saturday 21 August 2010

Ajax CT U11 vs Vasco U11 at Durbanville Kick off 09h50 – CTTFA Knock out Semi finals.

Ajax CT U12 vs TBA U13 at Ikanva Kick off 10h00 – Friendly Match

Ajax CT U13 vs Durbanville U13 at Tableview Kick off 10h45 – CTTFA Knock out Semi finals.

Ajax CT U15 vs Old Mutual U15 at Edgemead Kick off 10h45 – CTTFA Knock out Semi finals.

Ajax CT U17 vs Edgemead U17 at Bothasig Kick off 12h00 – CTTFA Knock out Semi finals.

Youth Results - Week 3 August 2010

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:12:00 +0200

Friday 13 August 2010

FRIENDLY MATCH

Ajax CT U19 beat Robinvale 1 - 0

Saturday 14 August 2010

ALL LEAGUE MATCHES

Ajax CT U11 team beat Durbanville U11 6 – 1

Goal scorers – Shakeel Van Reenen, Courtney Williams 2x, Jaqueel De Jager, Athini Acaki 2x, Mbulelo Nquru

Ajax CT U12 team beat Kensington U13 6 – 0

Goal scorers – Zaahir Witbooi 2x, Cobain Johns, Vernon Perries, James Thomas, Keenan Abrahams

Ajax CT U15 team beat Durbanville U15 7 – 0

Goal scorers – Ziyaad Eksteen 2x, Riyaad Norodien 2x, Chester Arendse 2x, Curtly Poole

Ajax CT U17 team beat Durbanville U17 2 - 1

Goal scorers – Sanele Mthembu, Dillan Fransch

Sunday 15 August 2010

Coke Cup Match

Ajax CT U17 team beat Codesa 2 - 0

Goal scorers – Michael Kwong, Byron Thomas

UPCOMING FIXTURES:

Thursday 19 August 2010

Ajax CT U19 vs Ikapa @ Ikamva Kick off 19h00 (Friendly match)

Saturday 21 August 2010

Ajax CT U11 vs Vasco U11 at Durbanville Kick off 09h50 – CTTFA Knock out Semi finals.

Ajax CT U12 vs TBA U13 at Ikanva Kick off 10h00 – Friendly Match

Ajax CT U13 vs Durbanville U13 at Tableview Kick off 10h45 – CTTFA Knock out Semi finals.

Ajax CT U15 vs Old Mutual U15 at Edgemead Kick off 10h45 – CTTFA Knock out Semi finals.

Ajax CT U17 vs Edgemead U17 at Bothasig Kick off 12h00 – CTTFA Knock out Semi finals.

Ajax junior selected for Amajimbos

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:58:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town U17 player, Stanton Wier was selected for the South African U17 side that will play against Burkino Faso in the African Youth Championship.

The training camp will take place from August 22, 2010. The players selected will also be considered for the training camp ahead of the return-leg against Burkino Faso (5-12 September) and the extensive training camp in Argentina (22 September - 04 October 2010).

The 2011 U/17 FIFA World Cup will be played in Mexico therefore SAFA and the Amajimbos Sponsors FNB, have arranged for an international training camp and tour to Argentina.

The team will play a friendly match against Boca Juniors and/or the River Plate youth teams.

The tour will culminate in an international friendly match against their Argentinean counterparts on Friday the 1st of October 2010.

Ajax launches new shirt

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:38:00 +0200

Adidas launched the new Ajax Cape Town 2010/2011 jersey at the Promo-Forecourt in Canal Walk on Saturday 14 August 2010 and hundreds of Ajax fans made the trip to witness the shirt hand-over b y adidas

A live broadcast by Good Hope FM, entertainment by the Adidas ball jugglers and MTN fan dancers, a live spray-paint art exhibition and the attendance of the Ajax Cape Town mascot and players entertained the crowds on the day. Fans also walked away with Adidas and Ajax gift-bags.

The Ajax players signed autographs and posed for photographs while others competed in a speed-shooting competition and once again there will be numerous prizes to be won. The Ajax “Warrior” mascot was also in attendance and many youngsters took full advantage to have their pic taken with him.

Then the moment all the Ajax fans were waiting for arrived. The Ajax players lined up on the stage to show-off the new Ajax Cape Town kit by adidas.

As the ooohhhhs and ahhhhs died down the Ajax players went about their business signing autogra[hs and mingling with their fans.

On the whole it was a great day for Ajax Cape Town and Adidas

Ajax launches new shirt at Canal Walk

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:59:00 +0200

Adidas will be launching the new Ajax Cape Town 2010/2011 jersey at the Promo-Forecourt in Canal Walk on Saturday 14 August 2010.

The pre-launch activities starts at 09h00 and includes a live broadcast by Good Hope FM, entertainment by the Adidas ball jugglers and MTN fan dancers, a live spray-paint art exhibition and the attendance of the Ajax Cape Town mascot and players.

The Ajax players will be available to meet and greet their fans, sign autographs and pose for photographs.

As part of the festivities at Canal Walk, Adidas and Ajax Cape Town will be awarding prizes to the best dressed -fans and this could include the new jersey that will be unveiled on the day and/or an Adidas Jabulani ball.

The fans will also be able to compete in a speed-shooting competition and once again there will be numerous prizes to be won. Young fans will be able to have a photograph taken with the Ajax “Warrior” mascot on registration.

Prizes include Ajax and Adidas product hampers like shirts, balls, tickets to the Ajax game at the Cape Town Stadium, Product Vouchers and McDonalds vouchers.

Give-aways will include the new Ajax Cape Town team poster and a limited amount of Adidas jersey’s and mini-adidas balls.

So there is fun and football for everyone at Canal Walk at the Promo-Forecourt on Saturday morning as Adidas launches the new Ajax Cape Town home and away kit.

Be there!

Petim signs new deal

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:31:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce that Andre Petim has signed a new three year deal that will keep him at the club until 2014.

Andre arrived at Ikamva from Vasco da Gama’s juniors as a 15 year old and he was promoted through the ranks to make his debut in the PSL team at the age of 19 year-old.

“I am more than happy to stay at Ajax because they have looked after me since I was a junior. They have a good coaches and technical staff. The facilities here is unmatched elsewhere, I am happy here.

Putting pen to paper was easy and I had no hesitation pledging my future to the club, said Petim.

One of the highlights of my career was winning the Telkom Knockout in 2009 when I was selected to start, that game in Chatworth will always be top of my career highlights.

Petim has won numerous honours during his years in the Ajax Youth Academy and as a PSL player; 2005 Metropolitan Premier Cup Champion, 2005 Goalkeeper of the Tournament (Premier Cup), 2007 Old Mutual Manguang Cup Champion, 2007 Telkom Charity Cup Finalist, 2007 ABSA CUP Champion, 2007/8 ABSA Premiership 2nd Place, 2008 Old Mutual Manguang Cup Champion and the 2009 Telkom Knockout Champions.

Ajax draw Sundowns - MTN8

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:35:00 +0200

“We are delighted to be drawn to play at home in the MTN8 first round”, says George Comitis the Ajax Cape Town CEO.

Ajax Cape Town was drawn to play at home against Sundowns in the MTN8 first round, the game will take place at the Athlone Stadium on Friday 20th,2010 .

We will play this game at the Athlone Stadium in order not to distract from the double header at the end of August. This game will be the perfect test ahead of the first PSL League game of the season,” concluded Comitis.

Shooz Mekuto the Ajax PRO was also delight with the result of the draw. He said, “Playing against Sundowns is always tough however the home draw tilts the scale in our favour. The home crowd is bound to get behind our players and this will make a huge difference so early in the season.

We made the final last year, we would like to go one better and win this competition. “

Ajax Open Day in PIX

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:27:00 +0200

The Ajax Open Day was a huge success as local fans from all walks of life came to Ikamva to enjoy the day.

New Urban Warrior range on sale!

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:57:00 +0200

Just days before the launch of the new Adidas home and away Ajax Cape Town jersey, Ajax have launch the latest range of Urban Warrior casual wear at the Ajax Fan Shop.

The Ajax Cape Town players did not hesitate as they raided the Ajax fan shop. The latest range of Urban Warrior casual wear included polar fleece - hooded tops in red and black, scarves, gloves, beanies and a special supporter’s tracksuit in black and red etc.

Showing off the latest Urban Warrior range are Nhlanhla Shabalala, George Maluleka and Clayton Daniels.

Come to the Ajax Fan Store to see the latest Urban Warrior range…..

Ajax fans enjoy Open Day

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 22:39:00 +0200

Hundreds of local football fans arrived at Ikamva on Saturday August 07, 2010 to attend the Ajax Cape Town Open Day at Ikamva.

Face painting, a clown on stilts, kiddies rides, jumping castles and a coaching clinic kept the younger ones entertained while their older counterparts enjoyed family braai’s, participating in a 6-team tournament, meeting the Ajax PSL players, watching the Ajax junior teams play against Vasco and the PSL team train.

Their was activities aimed at young and old, no one was excluded as the Ajax Cape Town marketing team pulled the strings that steered the days events.

The day started at 09h00 with soccer clinics by the Ajax Community coaches followed by the junior Ajax teams in action. One of the highlights of the day was the meet and greet the Ajax PSL players and the fans took full advantage requesting autographs and photo’s.

With Woman’s Day on Monday and Ajax also are hosted a ladies game between Adidas and Edgemead FC.

The “main” event of the day was the Ajax Open Day Tournament where the club’s sponsors, staff and the local media challenged for the “Ajax Open Day” floating trophy.

Six teams participated; MTN staff, Old Mutual staff, Ajax staff, the Ajax Supporters team, Adidas and a Media team made up of local scribes.

MTN lost to the Media team in the first semi-final while the Ajax staff lost to the Adidas team in a penalty shoot-out.

Adidas played the Media team in the final with the Media racing to a 3-0 lead by half-time; however Adidas fought back scoring two quick goals (3-2) after the break but the Media team held on to win the coveted Ajax Open Day Trophy.

Phiri Cawe the winning captain said, “We were the better team on the day and we showed that not only do we understand the game but that we can play a bit too.”

Come and join us @ IKAMVA!

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:59:00 +0200

“We all set to go for the Ajax Cape Town Open Day at Ikamva,” that’s the word from Shooz the Ajax PRO.

Ikamva is set to host a number of guests on Saturday August 07, 2010 at the Ajax Cape Town Open day.

Mekuto said, “A number of events have been arranged to ensure that all the kids and their parents enjoy themselves.

The day starts at 09h00 when the gates open and soccer clinics by the Ajax Community coaches are planned to kick-off the activities. All children who wish to participate must bring their own boots and shin-guards. The soccer clinics start at 09h30.

While the kids are active on the “E” field, their parents and older brothers or sisters can watch the Ajax Cape Town players train. The Ajax youth teams is playing league games against their local rivals Vasco da Gama on the adjoining “A” field.

The “main” event of the day is the Ajax tournament where the club’s sponsors, staff and the local media will be challenging for the “Ajax Open Day” floating trophy. This tournament is bound to be action packed as the fit and not so fit; old and not so old challenge for honours.

It is Woman’s Day on Monday and we are hosting a ladies game between Adidas and Edgemead FC.

Then the U19’s take the field before the final to give a training session demonstration.

In attendance will be the Ajax PSL players and MTN will provide their gig rig to ensure that a fun filled day is enjoyed by all.

So come and join us!”

Double header tickets available this weekend

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 22:36:00 +0200

Tickets to the much anticipated double header to be played at Ajax Cape Town on Friday, the 27th of August will go on sale this weekend.

The double header will see Vasco da Gama take on Orlando Pirates at 18h00, followed by the match between Ajax Cape Town and Bloemfontein Celtic at 20h45.

Tickets will be available via Computicket from Friday the 6th of August 2010.

Ticket prices will vary between R40 and R80 and there well be dedicated spectator areas for Ajax fans.

The ticket prices are as follows:
- North Stand-Green (behind the goals): R40
- South Stand-Yellow (behind the goals): R40
- East Stand -Red (opposite the players tunnel): R60
- West Stand-Blue (Main Stand): R80

The dedicated spectator areas for Ajax Cape Town fans are as follows:

North Stand- Green Blocks 109, 110, 111, 209, 210, 211.
East Stand- Red Blocks 112,113, 114, 115, 116, 213, 214, 215, 216.

Ajax Cape Town fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets early as no tickets will be sold at the stadium on match-day.

Ajax pair for Amsterdam trials

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:50:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce that Sameehg Doutie and Thulani Serero have been invited for trials at Ajax Amsterdam.

The pair have been an integral part of the success of the Ajax youth system winning numerous awards during their time at the Ajax Cape Town Youth Academy.

In 2007, Sameehg Doutie won the Copa Amsterdam Player of the Tournament Award and in 2010 Thulani Serero won the PSL Young Player of the Season award. Both players have represented South Africa at U20, U23 and U17, 20 23 respectively and was part of the national squad at the U23 World Cup in Egypt in 2009.

Sameehg and Thulani will leave on August 08 2010, and they will be in Amsterdam for 10 days.

Shooz Mekuto the Ajax PRO said, “We are proud that these two players are afforded the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best young talent at Ajax Amsterdam.

In line with the Ajax youth policy we will ensure that our young players get every chance to break into the world of European football via our link with Ajax Amsterdam.

We wish Sameehg and Thulani the all the best ahead of their European adventure.”

Ajax Open Day Festival - all welcome

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 01:34:00 +0200

The Ajax Cape Town Open Day Festival is happening this Saturday, August 07, 2010 and everybody is welcome!

This fun and soccer-filled day will gives local fans the opportunity to visit Ikamva, meet the Ajax players in an informal setting, enjoy a family fun day and to show their support for the team by registering as an Ajax supporter.

The Ajax Cape Town CEO, George Comitis and PSL Head Coach Foppe de Haan, will give all the supporters and media an update on the season ahead. The local fans will be able to watch the PSL team training in the morning and support the Ajax Cape Town Youth teams in action in a local derby against Vasco da Gama.

Fans will also be treated to the inaugural Open-Day Festival Soccer tournament, with six competing teams, Adidas, the Ajax Staff team (featuring Shooz Mekuto), Ajax Supporters, a Media team, MTN and Old Mutual. The champions will win a floating trophy and bragging rights until next year.

To ensure a family atmosphere, Ajax will provide braai stations and wood, there will also be food and sweet stalls, Coca Cola mobi-cans, SAB mobi cans and Bash Bugs.

Sponsors of Ajax Cape Town will also be involved on the day with Old Mutual offering free cholesterol and sugar testing on the day and the MTN Gig rig will keep everyone entertained

There will also be lucky prize draws and giveaways to some lucky fans.

The young Urban Warriors are not forgotten, the Ajax Community Coaches will kick-off the day with a free soccer clinic for all kiddies, aged 6 to 14 years. All participants of the coaching clinics must arrive before 09h30.

The Ajax Mascot will in attendance to meet the fans and a host of fun activities such as face painting, balloon modelling, jumping castles and free kiddies rides will ensure a fun-filled day for all.

So make your way down to Ikamva the home of Ajax Cape Town, bring your family and friends and be a part of the Ajax Cape Town Festival of Fun.

Event details are as follows:

Date: Saturday, 7th August 2010
Time: 09h00 to 15h00
Venue: Ikamva, Ajax Cape Town, Cnr. Frans Conradie Drive & Bertie Genade Street, Parow

For all queries call Salega Williams @ (021) 930 6001

Ajax Fan Store goes online

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:31:00 +0200

The Ajax Cape Town online store officially went live this week with Urban Warrior fans now able to purchase their Ajax Cape Town replicas from the online shop.

Fans looking to purchase a replica shirt, need only to log onto the Ajax website,click on the Shop webpage, and follow the simple steps then within 5 working days you will receive your very own Ajax Cape Town replica shirt.

The Ajax Cape Town Fan Store opened amidst much fan-fare last year and since the the doors opened, local and international Ajax fans have crossed the threshold to purchase Ajax merchandise and “URBAN WARRIOR” casual wear, the signature clothing range of Ajax Cape Town.

So Ajax Fans what better way to show your support for your team than wearing your team shirt? Visit our website and order your replica today.

Early exit for Ajax

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:10:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town made and early exit from the Old Mutual Mangaung Cup earlier today.

The fourth annual tournament sponsored by Old Mutual took place at the Botshablo Stadium today with Moroka Swallows, Free State Stars and Bloemfontein Celtic the other teams participating.

In the early game Ajax Cape Town played Free State Stars and the urban warriors took an early lead when Clayton Daniels scored the opening goal of the first game of the day.

However Free State Stars fought back and scored twice to beat Ajax 3-1 to advance to the final.

In the other game of the day Moroka Swallows played Bloemfontein Celtic with Celtic emerging as victors via a penalty shoot-out (8-9).

Celtic played Stars in the final winning 1-0; the winning goal was scored by the ex-Ajax striker Nathan Paulse.

Ajax 4 chosen for camp

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:32:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce that the four Ajax Cape Town players selected for last weeks National U23 Camp have been recalled and will once again be travelling to Johannesburg to take place in the U23 camp to be held this weekend.

The training camp runs from Friday, 30th of July to the Monday 2nd of August and will include a training match to be played on Sunday, 01 August 2010 in Botswana.

The call up means that Sameehg Doutie, George Maluleka, Thulani Hlatswayo and Thulani Serero will not be included in the travelling Ajax Cape Town squad, leaving for Bloemfontein to participate in the Old Mutual Mangaung Cup.

A fifth Ajax Cape Town player received a national camp. Ajax Cape Town’s reserve goalkeeper Tawfeeq Salie, was selected to join the U20 National training camp but a shoulder injury has meant that he won’t be participating in the camp.

Youth Results and Fixtures for July 26 - 31, 2010

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:01:00 +0200

YOUTH RESULTS:

Friday 23 July 2010

FRIENDLY MATCH

Ajax CT U19 beat Jomos Power 7 - 2

Saturday 24 July 2010 ALL LEAGUE MATCHES

Ajax CT U11 team beat Edgemead U11 9 – 0

Goal scorers – Shakeel Van Reenen, Asola Ntsobo, Matthew Havenga, Jean-Andre Troud, Leandro De Sousa, Courtney Williams, Jaqueel De Jager, Athini Acaki, Mbulelo Nquru

Ajax CT U12 team beat Edgemead U13 4 – 1

Goal scorers – Sebastion Lucas, Renaldo Jonkers, Vernon Peres, Curtley Daniels Ajax CT U13 team lost to Edgemead U15 2 – 0

Ajax CT U15 team beat Edgemead U17 3 - 0

Goal scorers – Sanele Mthembu, Justin Jacobus x2

Sunday 25 July 2010 Coke Cup Match

Ajax CT U17 team beat Young Brazil 2 - 0

Goal scorers – Jody Bruce, Byron Thomas

UPCOMING FIXTURES:

Tuesday 27 July 2010 - Ajax CT U19 vs Bothasig 1st Team @ Ikamva Kick off 19h00 (Friendly match)

Friday 30 July 2010 - Ajax CT U19 vs Witsands @ Ikamva Kick off 18h30 (Friendly match)

Saturday 31 July 2010

Ajax Cape Town U11 vs Norway Parks U11 at Norway Parks Kick off 09h50

Ajax Cape Town U12 vs Wynberg St Johns U13 at Wynberg Kick off 10h40

Ajax Cape Town U15 vs Bothasig U15 at Bothasig Kick off 11h35

Ajax Cape Town U17 vs Bothasig U17 at Bothasig Kick off 12h35

Two time champs aim for 3 Cup wins

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:03:00 +0200

The 4th Annual Old Mutual Mangaung Cup will be taking place on Sunday, the 01 August, 2010 in Bloemfontein with Ajax Cape Town looking to win the Cup for the third time after having won the tournament in 2007 and 2008.

Old Mutual is the official financial services partner to Ajax Cape Town and the tournament offers the competing teams with a perfect opportunity to test their readiness before the start of the season.

This four team tournament will be played at the Botshablo Stadium and Ajax Cape Town play Free State Stars at 09h30 in the first semi final followed by a game between Moroka Swallows and Bloemfontein Celtic at 11h30.

The winning semifinalists will meet each other in the final at 15h30.

Ajax departs for Bloemfontein on Friday, July 30, 2010.

On Saturday, 31st of July 2010 the Urban Warriors will conduct a training session behind the Botshabelo Stadium from 10h00 at 13h00. Ajax Cape Town will be conducting a signing session until 13h45 where fans in Bloemfontein will get an opportunity to meet their favourite Ajax Cape Town players.

For only R350, you can be a part of the experience, ensuring that you get the opportunity to watch the Urban Warriors in action before the start of the 2010/ 2011 PSL season.

Ajax Cape Town supporters that would like to support their team in Bloemfontein must please call Mark Kulp on 072 545 9029.

Noel joins Ajax

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:43:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce that Noel Cousins has been appointed coach of their U19 youth team.

Noel officially took over the helm of the Vodacom league side putting the side through their paces Thursday evening.

As a development club, the Ajax Cape Town youth system strives to produce young footballers that will ultimately be able to progress from youth to premier league football.

The U19 team plays an integral role in providing the youth academy players with a platform for to prove them ready to play at the highest level. As proof of this the PSL team currently boasts 7 players who were promoted from the Ajax Youth Academy.

Noel Cousins is no stranger to local football because he enjoyed a successful playing and coaching career.

Noel made his debut for Arcadia Pepsi F.C. (Arcadia Shepherds) in 1980 and joined Moroka Swallows in 1989. During his 11-year playing career he won numerous awards, including the Golden Boot Award on two occasions.

Noel’s coaching career began in 1994 when he was appointed as the Head Coach at Moroka Swallows. In the years that followed, he spent time at the University of Pretoria and Supersport United as Coach and Chief scout respectively.

Noel was then appointed Assistant Coach for 1st Division club, Avondale FC.

In 2001, he successfully completed his Level 1 offered by SAFA and the same year he joined Hellenic coaching the U19 team from 2001 - 2004.

He joined Clyde Pinelands from Hellenic, winning the Vodacom League in his first season. He then joined Vasco in 2006.

In 2008 he moved to Balfour AFC to coach U14, U15 and U16 age groups. His international travels with Balfour AFC included Turkey, Holland Nac Breda and Southampton, England.

We would like the opportunity to wish Noel all of the best and look forward to seeing him achieve great things with the U19 team.

Ajax stars for U23 National Training Camp

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:23:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce that 5 players from their PSL team have been selected for the upcoming National U23 Training Camp.

They will be looking to impress the newly appointed U23 Coach, Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba during the 3-day camp taking place in Johannesburg.

The selected players are no strangers to being called up to represent their country, with all 5 having represented the National U20 team at the 2009 World Cup in Egypt.

The following Ajax Cape Town players have been selected:
George Maluleka
Sameehg Doutie
Tawfeeq Salie
Thulani Hlatswayo
Thulani Serero

Ajax visits Drakenstein Prison.

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:37:00 +0200

Wednesday saw a slight change to the Ajax Cape Town PSL team’s usually training schedule, with PSL players switching the location of their training session from Ikamva to the Drakenstein Prison.

The visit was brought about through the Siyakhula Sports Academy. The Drakensberg Youth Centre launched the academy in 2008. Following the Academy’s motto “growing in sport”, the idea is to use sport as a means to rehabilitate the inmates in conjunction with the usual life and educational skills usually offered. The football programme offered by the academy in conjunction with Ambassadors for Sport.

The day started with a short training session. Under the guidance of Head Coach, Foppe de Haan and the rest of the technical and medical staff, the inmates and PSL team were put through their paces, while the academy goalkeeper got some expert advice from his Ajax counterparts Hans Vonk and André Petim.

Next it was time to put the shooting and shot-stopping practice to the test with a friendly match between Ajax Cape Town and the Academy team. With the familiar vuvuzela sounding in the background, the two teams kept the spectators entertained in a fast paced match.

With the final blow of the whistle, the PSL team signed posters for the spectators and academy players, and posed for photographs before being escorted to the Siyakhula Sports Academy. Here the PSL players got an opportunity to visit the inmates in their cells, taking the chance to chat and learn a little more about the every day life at the prison.

Following the tour of the academy, the PSL team and technical staff were treated to lunch at the prison restaurant. To commemorate the visit, the players and staff were each given a Nelson Mandela Freedom medallion.

Rounding off the day the Head Coach, Foppe de Haan and club PRO, Shooz Mekuto, presented the Drakenstein Correctional Services and youth centre with two autographed Ajax Cape Town shirts and Adidas Jabulani footballs in appreciation for the efforts the Drakenstein officials went to in hosting the team.

Prodigal son returns to impress Foppe

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:45:00 +0200

Thembinkosi “Terror” Fanteni returns to Ikamva, his former home, for a week long trial with the PSL team. The 26 year old striker will be looking to impress Ajax Cape Town Head Coach, Foppe de Haan in the hopes of securing himself a spot in the team for the upcoming season. Terror left the Urban Warriors in 2008, after being at the club for 4 years, when he joined Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Haifa. In 2009 he returned to South Africa after joining Orlando Pirates on loan. The quality of the South African international was recognized when he was called up to the Bafana Bafana squad, receiving his first Bafana Bafana cap in 2008. Terror was also included in the Bafana Bafana Confederations Cup squad in 2009.

Vote Ajax and Win!

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:53:00 +0200

Do you want to see Ajax Cape Town competing in the Telkom Charity Spectacular on Saturday 7 August, 2010?

Well then vote for the Urban Warriors and call 086 22 22 500.

You can vote via SMS: SMS your TEAM NAME to 34620. sms's charged at R2.00

Vote lines close at midnight on Sunday, 1 August 2010.

Vote lines are activated to decide which four teams will compete for the Cup, by using a Telkom public phone or landline voters stand a chance to win daily cash prizes of R500, the grand prize of R10 000 or Telkom Charity Cup memorabilia.

Shooz the Ajax PRO said, “Ajax Cape Town urges all supporters to rally behind the Telkom Charity spectacular by voting for Ajax Cape Town and Charity.

Remember every vote counts and it goes a long way in helping those who can’t help themselves.

Please rally behind your team and show your new colours by sending those votes to pledge for your club.

During the 2010 South African World Cup, Cape Town’s football fans showed that there are football supporters in Cape Town when an average of 60 000 attended games at the Cape Town Stadium.

We asking all those fans to support Cape football and vote!

Foppe happy with Ajax pre-season camp

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:12:00 +0200

Recently Ajax Cape Town attended a pre-season training camp in Stellenbosch.

Ajaxct.com spoke to Foppe de Haan the Ajax Head Coach about the training camp.

He said, “We did a lot of work and trained real hard. I am very satisfied with the level of fitness of most of the players however there are a few minor injuries but it’s not too bad at this time of the season.

On Saturday we played a friendly game against Santos at the Coetzenburg Stadium.

We played very well in the first half (half time score 2-0) however we took our “foot off the pedal” in the second half.

The game was a good opportunity to have a look at the players in match situation.

Of our new signings, Rusike is making great progress, Khama (Billiat) and Lebogang Manyama played very well. I have also had the opportunity to look at the youngsters from the reserve team as well.

This week we will not train too much because the players did a lot of work at the training camp.

Next weekend, 29th - 1st August we will compete in the Old Mutual Manguang Cup 2010 and this is the first big opportunity to have a good look the players.

We will travel to Bloemfontein with 20 players and this is going to be a big test for the team, after the tournament we will start with our tactical training in readiness for the start of the new season.

Ajax Youth fixtures for the week

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:57:00 +0200

The youth teams at Ikamva are once again campaign for league and cup honours as their season resumes after the 2010 World Cup break.

Tonight the Ajax U12 and 19 teams will play against the Durbanville U13 and Bellville U19 teams at 18h30 and 19h00 respectively.

The remaining fixtures for the week are;

Monday 19 July 2010
AJAX CAPE TOWN U12 vs DURBANVILLE U13 LEAGUE IKAMVA 18h30
AJAX CAPE TOWN U17 vs BELLVILLE U19 LEAGUE IKAMVA 19h00

Tuesday 20 July 2010
AJAX CAPE TOWN U11 vs CAMPS BAY U11 LEAGUE IKAMVA 18h30
AJAX CAPE TOWN U17 vs BELLVILLE U19 LEAGUE IKAMVA 19h00

Saturday 24 July 2010
AJAX CAPE TOWN U11 vs EDGEMEAD LEAGUE IKAMVA 09h50
AJAX CAPE TOWN U12 vs EDGEMEAD LEAGUE IKAMVA 10h40
AJAX CAPE TOWN U13 vs EDGEMEAD LEAGUE IKAMVA 11h35
AJAX CAPE TOWN U15 vs EDGEMEAD LEAGUE IKAMVA 12h35

Where should Ajax play?

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:00:00 +0200

Please tell us where you think Ajax Cape Town F.C. should play their upcoming PSL season games? Post your comment by clicking here. http://www.ajaxct.com/fanzone.htm?category=your+stories

Ajax willing to assist the Stadium and City

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:55:00 +0200

Now that the 2010 South African World Cup has ended, the success of this event is still tangible however the big question of the sustainability of the World Cup Stadium is once again thrust to the fore as presented in yesterday morning’s daily newspaper, the Cape Times.

Despite the doubt about the Cape Town Stadium’s future profitability, Ajax Cape town is ready to commit themselves to play a leading role to ensure that the Mother City’s premier sporting facility is utilized throughout the 2010/2011 football season and beyond.

Since the establishment of the Urban Warriors in 1999 the club has committed itself to provide their fans with entertaining football in a world class stadium.

Alexi Efstathiou, the Chief Commercial Officer of Ajax Cape Town said, “Now that we are on the cusp of the 2010/2011 season, Ajax Cape Town is negotiating to play their games at the Cape Town Stadium with negotiations being at an advanced stage.

Ajax Cape Town understands the complex nature regarding the future of the stadium and we are willing to negotiate a deal that is beneficial to the stadium operators, the City of Cape Town and Ajax Cape Town.

Part of our commitment in the short term will be to share the ticket income from the gates to ensure the financial success of the stadium. We are even open to parting with some of our commercial rights because we understand what the long term success of the stadium means to the City of Cape Town and its residents.

The reality is that the Stadium needs other sporting codes or events to also utilize the facilities to sustain it financially. Currently, we believe, that only football has been able to commit to the ongoing use of the stadium. The stadium operators have shown their intention to bring football back to Greenpoint but the high running costs presented to us seem to be a major stumbling block in concluding a permanent deal.

From the club’s perspective, a long term solution on a home stadium is long overdue. We can no longer be nomads in our own city when we have the facilities available to us. Football, like rugby and cricket, need to have a home.

For far too long, football has suffered in Cape Town and the country as a whole. In keeping with the legacy provided by the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the opportunity has finally presented itself for the Cape clubs to secure themselves a deserved home venue as has been done in the other provinces which also hosted the World Cup.

In the event that an agreement is reached with Ajax Cape Town, the club would for the first time have a permanent home for its supporters. Therefore it is important that any deal concluded should be on a long term basis.

The support of the people of Cape Town at our matches will ensure that the ratepayers of Cape Town do not become burdened with the costs of the upkeep of the Stadium. We would like to see the people of Cape Town support local football in the same manner that they supported the World Cup, by painting their faces, dressing up in their teams colours, using the public transport available and getting to the stadium via the fan walk on match days.

Ultimately it is the responsibility of all the stakeholders to do their part to achieve the long term success of our stadium, - the city, the football clubs, the stadium operator and the residents of Cape Town – this will have to be a collective effort. ”

Evans spotted in the crowd

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:28:00 +0200

Cape Town Stadium was definitely the place to be this world cup, with spectators being treated to their fair share of footballers on and off the field.

Ajax Cape Town Captain, Brett Evans was spotted in the stands at the round of 16 encounter between Spain and Portugal.

Jason Houliston (pictured with Brett) spotted the Ajax Cape Town player sitting behind him and took the opportunity to pose for a photo during the game.

www.ajaxct.co.za wishes to thank Jason for sharing his pictures and encourages all Urban Warrior fans to share their photos and fan stories by visiting the Ajax Cape Town website.

Adidas Fair Play Flag bearers

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:27:00 +0200

Thursday the 24th of June 2010 saw 6 lucky Ajax Cape Town youth players selected as Adidas Fair Play flag bearers for the Cameroon – Netherlands match at Cape Town Stadium.

Before the match, the selected youth players gathered at Ikamva, before heading off to the McDonalds in Tyger Valley where they ate lunch and received their Adidas kit. Then it was off to Cape Town Stadium. Upon arriving, the boys hung out with other flag bearers and ball boys in a room kited out with playstation, food and a “huge fridge filled with cold drinks”.

After a trial run in the afternoon, it was time for the big event. Leading the players out onto the pitch, the youth members from Ajax Cape Town walked out onto the pitch carrying the Adidas FIFA fair play flag.

Speaking about the experience, Lehlohonolo Tau and Masilake Phohongo, two of the Ajax Cape Town youth players selected as flag bearers, excitedly shared that the best part of the experience was walking out onto the field, leading the players and being in front of so many people.

When asked if the experience gave them more motivation to work hard and make it as a player, both agreed, with Tau saying “The experience made him want to be like them (the players). To play for his national team and to be in front of everyone”.

The 6 Ajax Cape Town youth players selected were:

Bantu Mzwakau

Justin Jacobus

Lehlohonolo Tau

Masilake Phohongo

Sebastion Lucas

Luke Vester

Ajax signs Zim youngster

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:38:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce that Khama Billiat has agreed to a deal that will see the 20-year-old Zimbabwean at the club for the next 4 years.

This announcement follows last week’s confirmation that Nhlanhla Vilakazi had signed with the club and that Sameegh Doutie had agreed to a extend his contract with Ajax Cape Town for another 3 years.

The midfielder signed from a well renowned Academy in Zimbabwe with whom

Ajax Cape Town has formed a strong association with. Billiat is the second Zimbabwean to put pen to paper for Ajax Cape Town this year, with Billiat being the second signing from Zimbabwe, following the signing of Tafadzwa Rusike in early April.

Deniss on his way to Turkey

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:46:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town Central Defender, Deniss Ivanovs has signed a 2 year deal with Sivasspor in Turkey.

Deniss secured himself a lucrative offer that he couldn’t refuse, and he is scheduled to leave by the end of the week.

Deniss has valued his time is South Africa, but has always expressed a wish to return to Europe.

The Lativian International has 35 caps for his country. He joined Ajax Cape Town from SK Liepas Metalurgs in 2009.

Ajax Cape Town news update

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:50:00 +0200

The Ajax Cape Town PSL team is scheduled to embark on a week-long training camp in the Winelands on Tuesday, where the Head Coach, Foppe de Haan, is expected to finalise his first phase of preparations for the new season.

News coming from the camp is that the club has released Amigo Mamela. Mamela was promoted from the Youth Development a season ago. He was one of the promising left-sided mid-fielders that had caught the eye of then coach, Mushin Ertugral.

Other news is that Aboubacar Fofana is currently training with newly promoted PSL side, Vasco da Gama, while Derek Decamps will be training with Supersport United for 2 days. Zimbabwean youngster, Archford Gutu is also training with Supersport United after catching the eye of Supersport United coach, Gavin Hunt.

On the European front, Stanton Lewis is scheduled to embark for trials with an unconfirmed Swedish club.

Lastly, former Ajax youth player, Shane Poggenpoel is currently training with Ajax Cape Town, in the hopes of making an impression on head coach, Foppe de Haan.

Foschini Soccer Clinic

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:27:00 +0200

With the country having lived and breathed football for the past 4 weeks, Foschini hosted a soccer day on the last Friday before the end of the World Cup for the children of their employees. The soccer clinic took place at Parow High School and Ajax Cape Town was invited to be apart of the soccer fun. After breakfast, the 68 children were divided into 4 groups and then handed over to the Ajax Cape Town community coaches who entertained the children by taking them through fun football games and exercise drills. Then it was time to show off some of their new skills, as the children took each other on in a friendly football match after lunch. Adding to the fun and excitement of the day, was the arrival of Ajax, the Ajax Cape Town Mascot, accompanied by Ajax Cape Town PSL players; Stanton Lewis, Thulani Serero and Thulani Hlatshwayo. The three Ajax Cape Town players signed miniature Jabulani footballs and players cards and posed for photos with the excited young fans. Wrapping up the day, the children gathered to receive their Ajax � MTN goodie bag as well as a certificate confirming that they had completed the soccer clinic. The children were called up to collect their goodie bag to a chorus of �Ahoo, Ahoo, Ahoo�. Together with the goodie bag, each child also received their own personalized Ajax Junior membership card, an autographed Jabulani football and a vuvuzela to commemorate the fun-filled day.

Ajax signs a defender

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:05:00 +0200

Nhlanhla Vilakazi signs for Ajax Cape Town

Ajax Cape Town is happy to announce the signing of former Bay United player Nhlanhla Vilakazi.

The Ajax Cape Town CEO, George Comitis welcomed Nhlanhla after the player and club agreed to a contract that will see the central midfielder at Ajax Cape Town for the next 3 years.

Nhlanhla started playing football for Wattville Argentina and Wattville Watford, before joining the development setup at Moroka Swallows and Mamelodi Sundowns.

He started training with the Ajax Cape Town team and is pleased to have concluded a deal with the club. Vilakazi said, I’m happy to be signing with Ajax Cape Town as the club made me an offer I could not refuse.

George Comitis also announced that the club has released Amigo Mamela, who is currently on trial at newly promoted PSL club Vasco Da Gama.

Sameegh Doutie signs new deal.

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:05:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is pleased to announce that Sameegh Doutie has extended his contract in a deal that will see him stay at the club for another 3 years.

Confirming the announcement, club CEO George Comitis said, “We are very happy that Sameegh has decided to extend his contract, we think that he’s a very good prospect for the future and hopefully at the end of the three years we will see him playing overseas”.

The 21 year old right-winger is a product of the Ajax Cape Town Development Academy. Sameegh joined the academy in 1999, and in 2007 Doutie was named Player of the Tournament in both the U19 Metropolitan Premier Cup and Copa Amsterdam.

Sameegh was promoted to the PSL team in 2007.

Loan move for Cole & Alpizar returns

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:19:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town midfielder Alexander Cole has been loaned to newly promoted PSL team Vasco da Gama.

The player had limited game time for the Urban Warriors last season and had decided to gain more experience playing in the PSL elsewhere.Cole will join Vasco da Gama for preseason training and will turn out for the club in the new league campaign.

In other preseason news, the Costa Rican striker (Alpizar) who was on trial at the club failed to impress coach Foppe de Haan and has since left Ikamva and will return his homeland today.

Dutch fans paint Ikamva Oranje

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:18:00 +0200

Thursday afternoon saw 240 Dutch fans descend on Ajax Cape Town before they made their way to Cape Town Stadium to witness Holland take on Cameroon.

Just after 16h00, the steps of Ikamva was awash of Orange as the travelling fans made their way into the Ajax Lounge to listen to a few words from the Ajax Cape Town Head Coach, Foppe de Haan.

The Ajax Cape Town coach addressed the “Oranje” fans who hung on to every word, interrupting him only to chant ‘Foppe de Haan”.

After Foppe De Haan’s speech, a brief question and answer session was afforded the Dutch fans. The Dutch fans stopped over at the Ajax Fan Store where they stocked up on Ajax gifts to take home to commemorate their visit to Ajax Cape Town.

Thereafter the fans began to make their way back to the waiting buses that would transport them to the Cape Town Stadium to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup game between Cameroon and the Netherlands.

Ajax PSL team returns to training.

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:34:00 +0200

Wednesday marked the start of the preseason at Ajax Cape Town as the PSL team returned to Ikamva for their first training session since the start of the PSL break a month ago.

Amongst the familiar Ajax Cape Town faces were the three new signings, Lebogang Manyama, Cecil Sonwabile Lol and Lizo Mathews Mjempu. There was also an addition to the technical department in the form of Hennie Spijkerman, the new technical manager at Ajax Cape Town.

Hennie Spijkerman has previously served as an assistant coach and as assistant scouting co-ordinator at Ajax. Most recently, Hennie Spijkerman served as the temporary coach for HFC Haarlem.

Watching the training session was a group made up of young South Africans from all walks of life and a Dutch TV crew from the Dutch program; Een Vandaag. The visit was arranged by SCORE, an African-based organisation focused on Sport and Development, and through Foppe de Haan, who is an ambassador of the organisation.

After the conclusion of the training session, the group made its way to Paarl, where they were scheduled to play a team of Dutch fans, with Foppe de Haan acting as coach of the team of youngsters for the match.

Holiday Clinics end on a high

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:32:00 +0200

With Bafana Bafana taking on France in their final group match today, Mercedes Benz Commercial Vehicles ensured that a few more young South Africans would be decked out in “green and gold” to show their support for the host nation.

As always, at the end of the two-day soccer clinic, parents and participating children gather in the Ajax restaurant to witness the children receive their certificates and for a lucky draw, in which a few lucky children’s names get drawn for one of the many prizes on offer. This time the awesome prizes consisted of several casings of Coca-Cola, Adidas football boots and Adidas footballs, and the coveted Bafana Bafana shirt.

The prize ceremony marked the end of what had been an exciting and unforgettable two days for the kids. Apart from the fun and excitement usually had at the holiday clinic, the children were treated to some very special visitors to Ikamva.

On Thursday, some of the children got to meet, interact and pose with the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson; 2018 England Ambassador and former England and Manchester United striker, Andy Cole; and South African football legend and former Bafana Bafana captain, Lucas Radebe. The trio and other delegates are in South Africa to promote the England bid to host the 2018 World Cup, but were visiting Ajax Cape Town to learn more about the work Ajax Cape Town does in the community through their community scheme initiatives. The visit came about through Ajax Cape Town’s association with Charlton Athletic Community Trust.

On Friday their was more excitement to be had when a group of 2018 delegates once again visited Ikamva, and took to the field to pose for photographs, hand out a few T-shirts, with one or two of the delegates even taking part in an in-prompt-to penalty shootout with the kids.

Two excitement filled days have ensured that the some of kids can’t wait for the next set of soccer holiday clinics. These will be held in the September holidays and information will be posted on the Ajax Cape Town website closer to the time.

Ikamva welcomes a Prince

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:46:00 +0200

Prince Albert II of Monaco was in Gugulethu, Cape Town on Saturday 12 June 2010 visiting the NY49 Sports Complex.

Prince Albert II was instrumental in contributing to the upgrade and maintenance of the sporting complex which sees soccer, rugby, netball, cricket, and athletics grace its fields.

The Prince was joined by a Wilfried Lemke, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on Sport for Development, Helen Zille - the Premier of the Western Cape and Daniel Plato, the Mayor of Cape Town.

A host of sporting events were held on the day and Ajax Cape Town was there to fly the football flag. The community scheme coaches took the children present through some football and exercise drills. Ajax Cape Town will play a key part in the sustainability of the complex.

Holiday Clinics kicks off

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:34:00 +0200

The start of the school holidays means that it’s holiday clinic time at Ajax again.

Monday and Tuesday saw a group of 70 children, aged 6-10 years, descend on Ikamva for two days of football fun and not even the heavy rain on Monday could damper the enthusiastic spirits of the young football fans.

The first day of the clinic saw the children having to stay indoors, taking part in football drills in the gym, learning about nutrition and how important it is to look after yourself and taking part in a fun quiz that tested their general knowledge.

Tuesday brought about a bit of sunshine, which meant that it was time for the kids to put on their football boots and hit the fields for some football fun and games. The group was broken up into groups and then it was time for the community scheme coaches to take the kids through a range of fun football skills.

At the end of the last day, all the children who had participated in the holiday clinic and their parents gathered in the restaurant at Ikamva. Each child was presented with an Ajax Cape Town Goodie bag. There were also other prizes to be given out.

Names were drawn from a bowl, several of the children won Adidas footballs and Adidas football boots. There were even several Bafana Bafana jerseys up for grabs, the jerseys were kindly sponsored by Mercedes Commercial Vehicles and there was much excitement as the names of the jersey winners were announced.

Thursday and Friday sees the second round of holiday clinics for the Age group 10 – 15 years.

For more information, check out the information on the Ajax Website or contact Salega Williams at (021) 930 6001.

London Mayor at Ikamva

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:25:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town was honored with a visit by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson on Thursday.

He was accompanied by Andy Cole, an Ambassador for the England 2018 bid, Lucas Radebe, former Bafana Bafana Captain and representatives from British Airways.

Ajax Cape Town CEO, George Comitis welcomed the Mayor of London at the steps to the home of Ajax Cape Town, Ikamva.

Mr Comitis welcomed the Mayor, guests and media to Ajax Cape Town and introduced Jason Morgan, the Chief Executive of Charlton Athletic Community Trust, who spoke about how the relationship between Charlton Athletic and Ajax Cape Town was formed.

Shooz Mekuto, the clubs PRO gave a brief presentation on Ajax Cape Town as a club and then introduced Riyaad Khan, the community scheme coordinator, to speak about the community projects at Ajax Cape Town.

Mr Jerome Voegt, a SAPS police officer from Mitchells Plain spoke about how working with the Ajax Community Scheme improved his relationships and his stature within the community, thereby assisting him and his fellow officers in the police’s efforts to reduce crime in the area.

The floor was then handed over to the Mayor of London, Mr Boris Johnson complimented Ajax Cape Town on the work they’ve done and endorsing the Ajax Cape Town community scheme projects. Mr Boris Johnson also took an opportunity to promote England as a host for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

After the speeches, the Mayor of London, Andy Cole and Lucas Radebe were presented with Ajax Cape Town shirts. The Mayor was also presented with a Lezulu Scarab.

The delegates and media then made their way onto the playing field, where they observed the community coaches putting some kids through their paces. The children are taking part in a 2-day holiday clinic that is hosted by the club every school holiday.

The children present were lucky enough to interact and get their pictures taken with Andy, Lucas and the Mayor.

Following their visit to the club, the delegation and foreign media made their way to the Connaught Flats, Elsies River where Ajax Cape Town and SAPS conducted their hotspot clinics.

The Mayor was introduced to the community and even went about knocking on doors, meeting and greeting, and conversing about life on the Cape Flats.

Street Kids Visit Ikamva

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:47:00 +0200

Thursday, 10 June saw Ajax Cape Town being visited by students from three high schools from the Mitchells Plain area.

The group which consisted of 50 students from Portland’s High, Spine Road High and Beacon Hill High were between the ages of 14 and 17 years.

The visit saw the students taken on a tour of Ikamva, the training ground of Ajax Cape Town, where they were taught about the history of Ajax Cape Town and got a chance to see the top class facilities on offer. They were afforded the opportunity to work with the Ajax Cape Town community coaches where they underwent soccer and fitness drills.

The students were also given a motivational talk by Riyaad, the Community Scheme coordinator, illustrating the importance of hard work, discipline and respect. He also highlighted the importance of staying in school and staying away from negative influences such as drugs.

The visit came about through the partnership between Ajax Cape Town and the Mitchells Plain SAPS and was meant as a reward for the students for their hard work and good behaviour. The initiative sees Mitchells Plain officers, going to schools, and instructing the students on life issues. These officers are also trained coaches and are using football as a way to connect with students in a bid to inspire the youth to live a life free of crime, drugs and gangsterism.

Belgian Crew Visit Ikamva

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:19:00 +0200

On Tuesday afternoon, Ajax Cape Town played host to a Belgian TV crew who aim to fly the Belgian Flag in South Africa, despite their national team not qualifying for the World Cup.

The TV crew is in South Africa working on a documentary covering soccer and life in South Africa. The concept of the programme is for the crew to represent Belgium in South Africa, all the while learning about football and life in South Africa, and challenging the people they meet to friendly football matches.

One stop on their journey was Ikamva – the training ground of Ajax Cape Town.

After a tour of Ikamva in which the TV crew learnt about the history of Ajax Cape Town, it was then down to the field to watch the U19 teams training session. The U19 team who were in good form after a successful tour of Europe in which they came runners-up in the two competitions they participated and on the back of an emphatic win Monday night.

After sitting on the stands, the Belgian “team” got the opportunity to test their skills as they took to the field, and it must be said that they weren’t put to shame as they joined the U19 team in a training match at the end of session.

Lance goes to Lierse S.K.

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:35:00 +0200

Its official, Lance will be playing in Europe next year.

After the 2010 World Cup, Lance will make his way to Lierse S.K. in Belgium a year before the end of his current contract with Ajax Cape Town.

Mr. George Comitis, the Ajax Cape Town CEO “We are positive of concluding a deal for Lance to Europe by the end of the World Cup.

It’s never our intention as the club to stand in the player’s way when the European market come calling. Lance has made a huge contribution to the Ajax midfield since his arrival from Supersport United a season ago.

He has proved to be a tough anchor man in the middle of the park for Ajax Cape Town, forming good partnership with the likes of Clifford Ngobeni, Dipsy Selolwane and Nhlanhla Shabalala.

He proved to be a dead ball specialist and scored crucial goals for the club last season.

New Kids on the Block

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:16:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town looks at new blood to launch the new campaign of season 2010/2011 with the signing of Lebogang Manyama,Cecil Sonwabile Lolo and Lizo Mathews Mjempu. The trio was put in a very intensive trial period by the Dutch master Foppe de Haan prior to the club holiday break.

Lizo Mjempu made an impression when he played at Cape Town Soccer festival at the left back position against Santos; he continued impressing the coach during the course of the last 4 months through friendly games and training sessions. The 26 year Old left back has been playing his football in the Vodacom league playing for the team called Lusitano FC. Born in the Eastern Cape Queenstown in 1984 he promises to give our Captain a good fro the starting place for the left back position along with Aidan Jenniker.

Adding to this list is the little unknown 20year old striker from Alexander Township in Jo’burg Lebogang Manyama. Lebo as he is affectingly known is a striker from Alexander FC, he came highly recommended by the former Ajax Cape Town Captain Alfred Maimane Phiri. After spending more than 3 months with the club Coach Foppe de Haan expressed his satisfaction of what he has seen and ordered the club to sign the player immediately.

Cecil Sonwabile Lolo came from the Ajax Cape Town development ranks, spent the last season on loan at Ikapa Sporting. He made his way back at Ajax after the end of season in the Mvela League quickly made an impression with the Head Coach. Cecil was born in 1988 and he plays in the Mid-Field position, he is remembered for the goals he scored as a junior while playing as the Striker in his junior days from the dusty streets of Khayelitsha. This season he will make his dream top league debut for Ajax Cape Town.

Street Ball with Edgar

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:02:00 +0200

The community of Crossroads was treated to a morning of fancy footwork when the MONTA street football team visited the Cruyff court on Thursday. Ajax Cape Town was invited by MONTA to join them on what is their second last day of their 3-week world-wide tour.

The MONTA team, along with Edgar Davids, the legendary Dutch football star and former Ajax Amsterdam player, has been traveling for 3 weeks promoting street football, and it’s only fitting the tour should end in South Africa a week before the world cup is set to kick off.

A crowd of well over a hundred people gathered around the fenced-in court to watch Edgar Davids and the best street team take on two local football teams. The spectators were treated to tricks galore as street footballs finest went on to win all 5 matches.

Then it was the turn of the Ajax Community Scheme coaches to challenge the MONTA team. The game was challenged in a good-spirit, with both teams giving it their all, but there can only be one winner, and unfortunately today wasn’t Ajax Cape Town’s day.

After the match the team made its way around the court applauding the spectators who then took to the court for a chance to spend some time with the players who had entertained them in what was surely an unforgettable day.

Lance makes the cut

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:12:00 +0200

Lance Davids has made the cut and realised his dream to play for South Africa in the world’s biggest sports event, the FIFA 2010 World Cup, South Africa.

Davids and his team mates faced an agonising wait for the announcement of the final South African squad to be announced.

The Ajax Twitter page was quick to react to the news and pledge support for Lance and his team mates ahead of the World Cup

The announcement ended all speculation as to the make-up of the squad. For some players it was a joyous moment while for others bitter disappointment.

While former Ajax Youth Academy prodigy's, Steven Pienaar and Moeneeb Josephs made the squad others like Bryce Moon and Franklin Cale lost out on a place.

Final Bafana Bafana squad:

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Shu-Aib Walters (Maritzburg United)

Defenders: Matthew Booth, Siboniso Gaxa (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa, Israel), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth, England), Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk, Belgium), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders: Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham, England), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala (both Kaizer Chiefs), Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows), Steven Pienaar (Everton, England), Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan, Russia)

Strikers: Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows), Bernard Parker (FC Twente, Netherlands)

5th at Varssveld

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:06:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town’s U17 team finished fifth in the Varsseveld Tournament on their European Tour at the weekend.

The Varsseveld Tournament attracts all the top U17 from Europe and this year it is no different. The participating teams are; BVB Dortmund (Germany), PSV (Netherlands), Ajax (Netherlands), AJ Auxerre (France), Region team Varsseveld (Netherlands), De Graafschap (Netherlands), Besiktas (Turkey) and Ajax Cape Town (Africa)

The first two days of the tournament produced a set of mixed results for the Urban Warriors theylost to AJ Auxerre (2 – 0) and Ajax Amsterdam(2-0) however they rallied and beat De Graafschap 5 – 1.

Ajax Cape Town played the Regional Select XI on Sunday 30 May 2010 and won 2-0. Their Dutch counterparts Ajax Amsterdam finished second after going down 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out to A.J. Auxerre .

Finals Sunday 30th May 2010
Time Match
10:30 Besiktas vs De Graafschap 2-0
11:40 PSV vs Ajax Amsterdam 1-1 (4-5 pen)
12:50 A.J. Auxerre vs Borussia Dortmund 2-1
14:00 5th/6th place Regionteam - Ajax Cape Town 0 - 2
15:10 3rd/4th place PSV - Borussia Dortmund 2 - 0
16:15 1st/2nd place Ajax - A.J. Auxerre 1 - 1 (3-5 pen)

The team returned to South Africa on Monday evening to resume the league commitments in the Cape Town Tygerberg FA.

Fixtures for this weekend are;
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Ajax Cape Town U15 team vs Bothasig U17 at Ikamva – Kick off 18h00

Thursday 3 June 2010
Ajax Cape Town U19 team vs Northpine U19 at Ikamva – Kick off 19h00

Saturday 5 June 2010
Ajax Cape Town U11 team play Old Mutual at Old Mutual – Kick off 9h50
Ajax Cape Town U12 team Fire Fighters at Ikamva – Kick off 10h30 (Friendly)
Ajax Cape Town U13 team play Old Mutual at Old Mutual – Kick off 10h40
Ajax Cape Town U15 team play Old Mutual at Old Mutual – Kick off 11h35
Ajax Cape Town U17 team play Old Mutual at Old Mutual – Kick off 12h35

Monday 7 June 2010
Ajax Cape Town U17 team vs Avendale U19 at Ikamva – Kick off 19h00

Ajax Cape Town Holiday Clinics

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:24:00 +0200

Come join Ajax Cape Town F.C. for their Holiday Clinics this June.

The Ajax Cape Town Holiday Clinics will take place on;
14th and 15th June 2010, for ages 6 - 10
17th and 18th June 2010, for ages 11 – 15

Girls are Welcome and all participants are requested to bring their soccer boots, shin guards and your own towels.

Come dressed wearing your favourite team’s football kit.

For more information or to register contact salegaw@ajaxct.co.za .

News from Varssveld

Sat, 29 May 2010 23:18:00 +0200

The Ajax Cape Town U17 team are participating in the last tournament of their European Tour. This weekend they are playing in the Varsseveld Tournament.

There are eight teams participating and Ajax Cape Town is drawn in Group B with Ajax Amsterdam, A J Auxerre and De Graafschap.

The Varsseveld Tournament attracts all the top U17 from Europe and this year it is no different.

After the first two days of the tournament Ajax Cape Town lost to AJ Auxerre (2 – 0) and Ajax Amsterdam(2-0) however they rallied and beat De Graafschap 5 – 1.

On Sunday 30 May 2010 the Urban Warriors play the Regional Select XI.

The participating teams are;
- BVB Dortmund (Germany)
- PSV (Netherlands)
- Ajax (Netherlands)
- AJ Auxerre (France)
- Region team Varsseveld (Netherlands)
- De Graafschap (Netherlands)
- Besiktas (Turkey)
- Ajax Cape Town (Africa)

Group A
PSV
BVB Dortmund
Besiktas
Regioteam Varsseveld

Group B
Ajax
AJ Auxerre
Ajax Cape Town
De Graafschap

Group Matches Friday 28th May 2010
Time Match
17:20 AJ Auxerre vs Ajax Cape Town 2 - 0
18:20 PSV vs Borussia Dortmund 2 - 1
19:20 Besiktas vs Regioteam 0 - 1
20:20 Ajax Amsterdam vs De Graafschap 2 - 0

Group matches Saturday 29 May 2010
Time Match
10:00 PSV vs Besiktas 3 - 0
11:00 Borussia Dortmund vs Regioteam 3 - 1
12:00 Ajax Amsterdam vs Ajax Cape Town 2 - 0
13:00 De Graafschap vs AJ Auxerre 0 - 2
14:00 Borussia Dortmund vs Besiktas 2 - 1
15:00 Regioteam vs PSV 0 - 3
16:00 Ajax Amsterdam vs AJ Auxerre 0 - 3
17:00 Ajax Cape Town vs De Graafschap 5 - 1

Finals Sunday 30th May 2010
Time Match
10:30 Besiktas vs De Graafschap
11:40 PSV vs Ajax Amsterdam
12:50 A.J. Auxerre vs Borussia Dortmund
14:00 Regionteam vs Ajax Cape Town

Ajax conducts Winelands Clinics.

Sat, 29 May 2010 22:07:00 +0200

The week commencing Monday 24th May 2010 saw the Ajax Community Scheme conduct three coaching clinics in the Paarl and Stellenbosch area in partnership with the Cape Winelands District.

The Ajax team comprising of four community coaches were all in attendance to put the kids through some grueling activities.

Coaching stations were set up to focus on the fundamental skills of soccer. The response and feedback received from both the kids and organizers were extremely positive.

Last Monday and Tuesday, clinics were conducted in the Paarl region in Mbkweni and New Orleans respectively and on Wednesday the Ajax Community Scheme coaches were in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch.

More than 200 kids took part in the clinics over the three days and it afforded local coaches the opportunity of being exposed to new innovative coaching techniques performed by The Ajax Community Scheme coaches.

The Community Coaching Clinics are conducted in partnership with the Cape Winelands District and with the 2010 World Cup just around the corner it is vital that Ajax Cape Town assist in promoting football in the Western Cape, especially in the Cape Winelands District where the people love the beautiful game.

Clifford makes his move

Fri, 28 May 2010 15:13:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town would like to announce that the club has agreed to accept the offer from Orlando Pirates for the services of Clifford Ngobeni.

George Comitis the Ajax CEO said, “There was a lot of interest from a number of clubs for the services of Clifford Ngobeni, especially Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates.

Clifford agreed to the terms offered by the Buccaneers because this was a move that he has been waiting for a long time.

Clifford is a product of the Ajax Youth Academy. He has been at the club since he was 15 years old and served Ajax Cape Town in an exemplary manner.

We at Ajax Cape Town wish him well for his future career.”

Profile: Clifford Ngobeni
Nickname: Donna
Nationality: South African
Date of Birth 27 June 1987
Age: 22
Jersey No. 5
Weight: 61kg
Height: 1.65
Previous Amateur clubs: Robertsham FC, Ajax Development Academy
Position: Midfielder
Caps: U23 -10, Senior - 3

Honours

2008/9 Telkom Knock Out Champion
2008/9 Old Mutual Mungaung Cup Champion
  2007/8 ABSA Cup Champion
  2007/8 Old Mutual Mangaung Cup Champion
  2007/8 Telkom Knockout Finalist
  2006/7 PSL Young Player of the Year
  2006/7 Jet Rookie of the Year
  2006/7 Ajax Young Player of the Year
  2005/6 U19 Metropolitan Premier Cup Champion
  2004/5 U19 Metropolitan Premier Cup Champion

Ajax visits Khanyolwethu Secondary

Thu, 27 May 2010 14:10:00 +0200

Friday 14th May 2010 saw Ajax Cape Town put aside time to visit Khanyolwethu Secondary School in Lwandle Township near Strand.

Ajax Cape Town is regular visitors to this school and the community of Strand due to it being the place that one of our Community coaches resides. Fezile Camagu was also a leaner to the school and took it upon himself that he would like to give back to his community.

Ajax Cape Town Community team reached the school at 13H30 where they were welcomed by more than 1500 school learners.

The purpose of the visit was firstly to help the school celebrate Football Friday and secondly to create an awareness and excitement around the FIFA World Cup 2010. The school was divided up so that there was a class representing each of the participating countries.

Each class was then dressed in attire of their chosen country waving its National flag for everyone to see. The event began with the whole school singing the national anthem of South Africa followed by a chorus from the many vuvuzela’s in attendance.

Then the major contest where by each class and each country was given a slot to showcase their talent by doing the famous Diski Dance with a panel of judges closely monitoring the performances to see which country/class would be the winner.

After a few hours of fierce competition and outstanding performances it was agreed upon that England were the winners on the day. Will this perhaps be an omen for the actual World Cup?

To finish proceedings the Ajax Cape Town Community Team delivered a motivational speech to the learners and rewarded the School with an Ajax Cape Town signed shirt which Fezile presented to one of the teachers.

Ajax hosts FC Ingolstadt.

Tue, 25 May 2010 22:20:00 +0200

The return of the Ajax Cape Town U19 team from their tour of Switzerland and Germany on Monday night coincided with the Ajax Cape Town U12 team hosting the touring German side, FC Ingolstadt 04.

The first stop for FC Ingolstadt 04 on their arrival at Ikamva, was a visit to the Ajax Fan Store to view and purchase some Ajax merchandise.

After a tour of Ikamva, the visitors took their places on the stands to watch the Ajax Cape Town U12 team take on the U13 team from FC Ingolstadt.

The young Urban Warriors went on to beat the touring side 3-1, however the result had no bearing on the relationships built on the day between the two clubs as well as the players.

After the game, the two teams posed for photos bringing to an end to a fun and good-spirited encounter between the two youth teams.

FC Ingolstadt 04 is a German Football Club, that was founded in 2004 after the merger of ESV Ingolstadt and MTV Ingolstadt football clubs.

The club is based in Ingolstadt, Bavaria and plays their football in the second division of the German Bundesliga.

Ajax Cape Town would like to wish the touring side of FC Ingolstadt 04 and their families, our best wishes for the rest of their tour of South Africa.

Ajax U17 shows character

Mon, 24 May 2010 22:07:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town’s U17’s faced a stern test of character when they competed in the V.F.L. Theesen Tournament in Germany at the weekend.

Competing in a group that comprised of the 2009 Champions Armenia Bielefeld, seasoned campaigners Werder Bremen and Trabzonspor, the Urban Warriors were at full-stretch acclimatizing.

Ajax lost to Schalke 04(2-0), Armenia Bielefield(2-0), Trabzonspor(3-0) and Werder Bremen(1-0), however despite the unfavorable results the Urban Warriors found the experience of playing in the V.F.L. Theesen Tournament beneficial to the development of their touring squad.

Late last year the Ajax Head of Youth Maarten Stekelenburg said, “The local players have great potential but we need to develop their tactical awareness, insight in the game and improve their physical development. We have to make big improvements in the way we coach the players to the level where they can compete for a place in the PSL team.

Not many clubs here develop their own players and this factor forces them to go into the market place to buy players. It’s important for the whole structure of the club to develop our own players to strengthen the team because it is part of our policy to educate our own players.”

With this strategy in mind Ajax Cape Town have competed in international youth tournaments annually to ensure the success of their Youth Academy and this is evident by the number of youth players who have come through the ranks to represent Ajax Cape Town at PSL level.

Last season 16 out of 26 players in the PSL squad came from the Ajax Youth Development Academy, possibly the highest ratio in South African football and a proud testament to the work done at the Ajax Cape Town Youth Academy.

Runners-up in Germany

Mon, 24 May 2010 12:54:00 +0200

The Ajax Cape Town U19 team beat Portsmouth FC on penalties in the semi-final of the International U19 Stemwede Football Tournament in Germany.

The semi-final was a tough encounter as the game finished with both teams scoring a goal-a-piece.

Ajax Cape Town won through to the final after they scored all five penalties in the sudden-death shoot-out, Ajax won 5-4.

The Urban Warriors progressed to the finals to play against Zenit St. Petersburg FC.

This game also went to penalties however it was Zenit St Petersburg who won the tournament with a 5-4 score-line.

Finals beckon Ajax U19

Sat, 22 May 2010 22:06:00 +0200

Still flushed from the success of their exploits in Switzerland, Ajax Cape Town’s U19 team progressed to the semi-finals of the International U19 Stemwede Football Tournament.

Top teams from Europe and Canada participated in the International U19 Stemwede Football Tournament; they are the Vancouver Whitecaps - Canada, Portsmouth FC - England, Aalborg BK – Denmark, Zenit St. Petersburg - Russia, Hannover 96, VfL Osnabrück, Mühlenkreis and off course Ajax Cape Town.

The Urban Warriors beat off the competition from Zenit St Petersburg 2-0, Osnabruck FC 1-0 and drew 1-1 against Mühlenkreis FC to progress to the semi-final.

On Sunday 23 May 2010 Ajax Cape Town play Portsmouth FC in the first semi-final at 11h15 and Zenith FC plays Hannover 96 at 12h30 in thee second.

The final will take place at 17h30 late Sunday afternoon.

Ajax U17 take on Europe

Sat, 22 May 2010 12:13:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town’s U17 team left on Wednesday 19 May 2010 to participate in two top European tournaments during their tour of Germany and the Netherlands. The two tournaments will keep the team in Europe until the end of May after which they will return to Cape Town to compete domestically.

The first tournament is the V.F.L. Theesen Tournament (Germany) and it runs from Saturday 22 May to Monday 24 May 2010 then the Urban Warriors will travel to the Netherlands to compete in the Varsseveld Tournament from 28 – 30 May 2010

In Germany, Ajax will compete against DSC Arminia Bielefeld, SV Werder Bremen, Borussia Dortmund, FC Basel (Switzerland), VfL Theesen, Trabzonspor Futbol(Turkey), FC Shakhtar Donetsk(Ukraine), FC Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Schalke 04.

The travelling Ajax Cape Town U17 squad is; Bantu Mzwakau , Daniel Sifumba , Mustag George , Mzi Magqwaka , Michael Kwong , Jody Bruce , Matthew Rowell , Kyle Peters ,Abbubaker Mobara , Byron Thomas , Dyllin Jackson , Ielyaas Wesson , Mbongeni Wulana , Stanton Weir , Tashreeq Fielies , Tashreeq Morris and Zaakier Willaims.

The coach of the U17 Ajax Cape Town team is Shaun Bester, a former professional striker with Hellenic FC and accompanying the team is the Ajax Cape Town CEO George Comitis.

In Germany, the Urban Warriors start their campaign against FC Schalke 04 at 14h50 on Saturday 22 May 2010, in their first game of the tournament then, they play DSC Arminia Bielefeld at 16h30 also on Saturday.

On Sunday the Urban Warriors will complete their Group Stage games against Werder Bremen (10h50) and Trabzonspor (13h20) respectively.

Gruppe 1 - KIA
FC Basel
FC Shakhtar Donetsk
Borussia Dortmund
VfL Theesen
Eintracht Frankfurt

Gruppe 2 - Mazda
Trabzonspor Futbol
DSC Arminia Bielefeld
Ajax Cape Town
FC Schalke 04
SV Werder Bremen

Group Stage

22 May 2010
14:00 DSC Arminia Bielefeld - Werder Bremen :

14:00 Borussia Dortmund - FC Basel :

14:50 FC Schalke 04 - Ajax Cape Town :

14:50 VfL Theesen - Eintracht Frankfurt :

15:40 FC Shakhtar Donetsk - FC Basel :

15:40 Trabzonspor - Werder Bremen :

16:30 VfL Theesen - Borussia Dortmund :

16:30 Ajax Cape Town - DSC Arminia Bielefeld :

17:20 FC Schalke 04 - Trabzonspor :

17:20 FC Shakhtar Donetsk - Eintracht Frankfurt :

23 May 2010
10:00 Eintracht Frankfurt - FC Basel :

10:25 FC Schalke 04 - DSC Arminia Bielefeld :

10:50 Ajax Cape Town - Werder Bremen :

11:40 VfL Theesen - FC Shakhtar Donetsk :

12:30 Eintracht Frankfurt - Borussia Dortmund :

13:20 Trabzonspor - Ajax Cape Town :

14:40 FC Basel - VfL Theesen :

15:30 Werder Bremen - FC Schalke 04 :

16:30 FC Shakhtar Donetsk - Borussia Dortmund :

17:20 DSC Arminia Bielefeld - Trabzonspor :

Final day 24 May 2010

Play-off position 9
10:30 No 5. Group 1 - No 5. Group 2 :

1. Semi-Final
10:15 No 1. Group 1 - 2. Group 2 :

2. Semi-Final
11:15 No 2. Group 1 - No 1. Group 2 :

Play-off position 7
12:45 No 4. Group 1 - No 4. Group 2 :

Play-off position 5
13:45 No 3. Group 1 - No 3. Group 2 :

Play-off position 3
14:45 Loser Semi-Final 1 - Loser Semi-Final 2 :

Final
15:45 Winner Semi-Final 1 - Winner Semi-Final 2 :

Team Building at Koeberg Nature Reserve

Thu, 20 May 2010 22:01:00 +0200

The Ajax PSL team and staff switched soccer balls for mountain bikes on Tuesday as they took part in a team-building exercise at the Koeberg Nature Reserve, just past Melbosstrand.

On arrival, the team was escorted to Eskom’s Visitors Centre where they were shown a presentation video about the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the Nature Reserve surrounding Eskom’s Power Station.

After posing for a few photographs and signing soccer balls for Eskom, the team set off on their cycling trip.

Downhill Adventures provided the bicycles for the team to enjoy a 20km cycle through the Nature reserve.

After the ride, the staff and players of Ajax Cape Town made their way back to Ikamva to enjoy a sumptuous lunch after which, they wrapped up a fun-filled day and a very successful teambuilding exercise.

Evans wishes Stormers well

Thu, 20 May 2010 10:49:00 +0200

The Stormers were on the end of a welcomed surprise at their training centre in Bellville earlier today.

A visit from Brett Evans, at the Ajax Cape Town captain ahead of their Super 14 semi-final on Saturday drew the attention of a number of local journalists at the Stormers training session.

On hand to greet the Ajax Cape Town captain was his Stormers counter-part Schalk Burger. Brett and Schalk posed for the photographic press contingent, after exchanging pleasantries; with the Ajax captain extending Ajax Cape Town’s best wishes for Saturday’s game.

It is not often these two sportsmen meet however the ice has been broken by this meeting forging closer links between the Stormers and Ajax Cape Town, rugby and football especially ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Goodwood Community

Wed, 19 May 2010 11:14:00 +0200

Press Release

12 May 2010

For Immediate Release

LAUNCH OF MBOMBELA SPORTSFIELD

Ajax Cape Town would like to announce the completion of the Mbombela Sport Field. The project is the initiative of the Management Board of Goodwood Correctional Services and was initiated and convened by Mr. David Kokong. The initiative will create a developmental opportunity and will assist the DCS as it strives to contribute to community building and offender rehabilitation through sport. The completion of the field coincides with the Regional Candle light memorial Event, with its focus being “Positive living through sport.”

Ajax Cape Town plans to utilise the venue by having regular football clinics and life skills programs with the inmates. This is part of the agreement reached between the department of correctional services and Ajax CT.

Ajax Cape Town will then donate: - Goal Posts

- Goal Post Nets

- Soccer Balls

- Soccer Kit

The details of the official opening of the Mbombela Sportfield are included below and the ceremony will be attended by the Deputy Minister of Correctional Services and the Management officials.

Date: 20th May 2010

Time: 10h00

Venue: Goodwood Correctional Services

Ajax Cape Town joins MTN at Impendulo Primary.

Tue, 18 May 2010 22:18:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town players joined MTN at Impendulo Primary School in Khayelitsha yesterday to take part in the MTN “21 Days of Y’ello Care”.

The “21 Days of Y’ello Care” is a MTN CSI initiative that is run for 21 days every year, in 21 countries throughout Africa.

The initiative gives MTN staff an opportunity to connect with and give something back to the communities in which they operate.

May 01, 2010 marked the kickoff of this year’s initiative, with this year’s focus being football and the aim to contribute to underprivileged communities.

The school identified for this year’s initiative was Impendulo Primary and MTN staff volunteered their time to do general repair work and paint the school. MTN’s staff also donated football nets, balls, cones, flags and vuvuzelas to the school.

All the work was carried out over the past three weeks and yesterday, all the MTN staff from the region visited the school in what is known as the MTN flagship day.

To add to the football theme, Ajax Cape Town players, Nazeer Allie, Granwald Scott and Thulani Hlatswayo took part of the festivities.

The players were greeted by eager pupils of Impendulo Primary, who gathered excitedly around the players for an opportunity to meet their local football heroes and pose for photos.

The Ajax Cape Town players participated in an autograph session where they signed everything from school shirts to pupil’s hands.

The “21 Days of Y’ello Care” runs until the 21st of May 2010.

AYOBA!

Football Sunday in Edgemead

Mon, 17 May 2010 23:04:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town and Edgemead Football Clubs’ enjoyed a “Football Sunday” at the Edgemead Football Club Sports ground on Sunday 16 May 2010.

The day started off with a coaching clinic run by the Ajax Cape Town Community coaches. More than 60 players from the host club participated in the coaching clinic as the parents and families watched from the touchline.

“Ajax” the Urban Warrior mascot was also in attendance to meet and greet the youngsters present as well as some of their parents.

Soon it was time for the main curtain-raiser, The Ajax Staff XI vs Edgemead Management XI.

As the teams took the field a number of spectators chirped from the grandstands as to the “size” of a number players, however they were soon silenced as the “Senior” players showed skilful touches whenever in possession and they put on a good show of passing football.

Rolling substitutions were the order of the day as players rotated, often in quick succession as the pace of the game took its toll. At the final whistle the game was tied at two goals-a-piece and the “visually challenged” referee called for a penalty shoot-out to decide the game.

Four players from each side scored their spot-kick, with one each side missing a spot-kick and soon it was the dreaded “sudden death.” As players stepped forward to take their spot-kick the jeers or cheers got louder, depending on what side you were on.

The pressure took its toll and a certain Ajax Community Coach, who watches too much TV, fluffed his shot as he tried some fancy footwork, to the delight of the juniors on the side-lines.

The main game got off to a fast start as the Ajax team took the game to Edgemead. Ajax came close to opening the score early in the game but for a gutsy defensive display by the Edgemead team.

The home side also applied pressure as they settled into the game; however it was the Urban Warriors who scored first. Edgemead FC fought back and they equalised after some good approach play.

Both goalkeepers pulled off some good saves as the teams entertained the crowd with exciting football.

The Ajax players participated in an autograph session after the final whistle to the delight of the youngsters in attendance, many of them collecting a full pack of player-cards of the Ajax team.

A good day was had by all as the braai’s continued into the early evening, an indication of the community spirit amongst the folks in Edgemead.

Ajax U19 ranked no2 in Switzerland

Sat, 15 May 2010 23:26:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town put South African football back in the spot-light with their exploits in Switzerland during the 7th International U19 Football Tournament of Altstatten SG in Switzerland.

Ajax Cape Town started off the tournament on the back foot when they were beaten 2-0 by Sturm Graz but they bounced back to draw 0-0 against FC Altstätten.

As the tournament progressed Ajax Cape Town’s game improved and they proved their resilience by beating a strong Blackburn Rovers side 1-0 in the next game.

Despite their loss in the first game, Ajax Cape Town finished in second place on the log of the group stage to qualify for the semi-final against America FC of Brazil who finished top of the Group B round robin stage.

Both semi-finals went down to the wire, Ajax Cape Town held the 2008 champions, America FC to a 0-0 score for the game to go to a penalty shoot-out. The Urban Warriors overcame their Brazilian opponents 5-4, to reach the final.

In the other semi-final FC St Gallen held Strum Graz to a 1-1 score however Strum Graz held their nerve to win 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out.

The final was a replay of the first game of the tournament, however Ajax Cape Town were more composed this time around and held Strum Graz of Austria to a 1-1 score by the end of full-time to take the game to penalties.

Ajax Cape Town took the lead as early as the fourth minute of the final when Isma-eel Stansfield scored, however Sturm Graz fought back and equalised when Denng scored in the 14th minute.

The keeper of Sturm Graz pulled off some fine saves in the shoot-out as Sturm Graz beat Ajax Cape Town 4-2 to claim the 2010 Championship crown.

The young Urban Warriors held their own against some of the top U19 teams from Europe finishing the tournament ranked no2, beating past champions FC ST Gallen and Blackburn Rovers to a 3rd and 4th place ranking respectively, a fine achievement for a South African team ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Team sheets in the final;
Ajax Cape Town:
Van Neel, Bronkhorst, Fielies, Lebusa, Bernard, Archford, Stanfield, Davids, Losper (ab 25. Sauls), Levendal (ab 46. Peters), Stellenboom

Sturm Graz::
Schögl, Neuhold, Egger, Schloffer; Störi (ab 36. Foda), Schnaderbeck, Zisser, Habjanic, Kocijan, Rauchenberger (ab 30. Özcicek), Dengg
Results

Group A
FC Altstätten - Blackburn Rovers FC 0:2
Sturm Graz - Ajax Cape Town 2:0
Blackburn Rovers FC - Sturm Graz 0:0
FC Altstätten - Ajax Cape Town 0:0
Ajax Cape Town - Blackburn Rovers FC 1:0
FC Altstätten - Sturm Graz 0:3

Log Group A
1. Sturm Graz
2. Ajax Cape Town
3. Blackburn Rovers
4. FC Altstätten

Group B
Bröndby IF - FC St. Gallen 1:1
Eintracht Frankfurt - América FC 1:0
Eintracht Frankfurt - Bröndby IF 1:1
FC St. Gallen - América FC 1:2
FC St. Gallen - Eintracht Frankfurt 1:0
Bröndby IF - América FC 2:3

Log Group B
1. América FC  3 5:4 6
2. FC St. Gallen  3 3:3 4
3. Eintracht Frankfurt 3 2:2 4
4. Bröndby IF  3 4:5 2

Semi-Final
América FC - Ajax Cape Town 0:0 / 4:5 penalties
FC St. Gallen - Sturm Graz 1:1 / 4:5 penalties

Final Games
Play-off 7th Place: Brödnby IF - FC Altstätten 1:0
Play-off 5th Place: Eintracht Frankfurt - Blackburn Rovers 0:0 / 3:5 penalties
Play-off 3rd Place: América FC - FC St. Gallen 0:0 / 4:5 penalties
Final: Ajax Cape Town - Sturm Graz 1:1 / 2:4 penalties

Final – Match details
15. May 2010 / 17:30 PM /
Match Officials: Jan Schenk / Marcel Geser, Amador Gil

Ajax Cape Town v Sturm Graz 1:1 at fulltime.
Sturm Graz won 2: 4 (Penalties)

Goals in the Final:
4. Min. Stanfield 1:0, (Ajax Cape Town)
14. Min. Dengg 1:1 (Sturm Gratz)

Ranking:
1. Sturm Graz (Austria) (Champions 2010)
2. Ajax Cape Town (South Africa)
3. FC St Gallen (Switzerland)
4. América FC (Brazil)
5. Blackburn Rovers (England)
6. Eintrach Frankfurt (Germany)
7. Bröndby IF (Denmark)
8. FC Altstätten (Switzerland)

Player of the Tournament:
NR. 9 Sturm Graz - David Schloffer

Top Goalscorer:
Nr. 7 Bröndby IF - Brent Mc Grath (3 Goals)

Keeper of the Tournament:
Nr. 1 Strum Graz - Frorian Schögl

The Lezulu Soccer Scarab - tour gift from Ajax and Africa

Thu, 13 May 2010 19:52:00 +0200

The Ajax Cape Town U19 team, who depart for Switzerland on Wednesday, will be taking the Lezulu Soccer Scarabs to give as gifts to the tournament organizers and the teams they will play against in the upcoming tournament.

Speaking about the Soccer Scarab, Maarten Stekelenburg, the Head of Youth and the U19 Coach, said, “Whenever an Ajax Cape Town team tours overseas, they always take a gift for the Tournament organizers and opposing teams.

Given the significance of 2010, it was important to give something unique to South Africa and Africa as a whole.

The concept behind the Lezulu Soccer Scarab is “Keeping the ball rolling in Africa”. The Scarab beetle, which is also known as the African Dung Beetle, carries a message of hope.

Each ball that the Scarab beetle rolls provides food, not only for the beetle itself and its offspring, but each ball that the Scarab beetle buries plants a seed of hope of survival for the next generation of wildlife.

In a similar way, the Lezulu Soccer Scarab is planting the seeds of hope amongst the youth and disadvantaged in Africa by promoting soccer.

As in the case of the Lezulu Soccer Scarab, the soccer ball is the ultimate symbol of hope for an aspiring footballer in Africa.

The Lezulu Soccer Scarab was the VIP gift of choice for the guests at the final draw held in Cape Town last year and will serve as a perfect African souvenir to tourists visiting the country. ”

The Lezulu Soccer Scarab is available at the Ajax Fan Store at Ikamva.

Looking at the photo, we have:
Rory Valentine –Front left (beige jacket)
Maarten Stekelenburg – Ajax Cape Town tracksuit
Les Oelofse – Front right (light grey jacket)
Darren Oelofse – at the back (darker Grey jacket)

Ajax 4 for Bafana

Tue, 11 May 2010 22:22:00 +0200

The Ajax Cape Town Youth Academy can be forgiven for feeling like a proud father of a new born after the announcement of the provisional 29-man South African squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

No less than four players named, have come through the ranks at the Ajax Cape Town Youth Academy, they are Steven Pienaar, Franklin Cale, Bryce Moon and Moeneeb Josephs.

Also included in the squad is Benni McCarthy whose move to Ajax Amsterdam was the catalyst for the establishment of Ajax Cape Town and Lance Davids, the Ajax Cape Town midfielder currently with the training squad in Johannesburg.

The 29-man squad will be trimmed down to a 23-man squad just ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Bafana, Bafana Squad:

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Shu-Aib Walters (Maritzburg United), Rowen Fernandez (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany)

Defenders: Matthew Booth, Siboniso Gaxa, Innocent Mdledle (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa, Israel), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth, England), Bryce Moon (PAOK, Greece), Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk, Belgium), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders: Surprise Moriri, Franklin Cale (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham, England), Andile Jali, Teko Modise (both Orlando Pirates), Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala (both Kaizer Chiefs), Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows), Steven Pienaar (Everton, England), Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan, Russia)

Strikers: Benni McCarthy (West Ham, England), Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows), Bernard Parker (FC Twente, Netherlands)

Trudon kicks-off at Ikamva

Tue, 11 May 2010 21:11:00 +0200

Ikamva was a buzz of excitement, fun and games last Friday as Ajax Cape Town welcomed Trudon to their training grounds.

Trudon, formerly known as TDS Directory Operations, is the owner and publisher of the Yellow Pages, the Telkom Phone Book, Trudon Mobile and 10-11-8.

Chantel Kruger, the regional manager, said “The objective of the day was to motivate everyone present as they started their new cycle. The day’s theme was football and Ajax Cape Town as a venue fitted the theme perfectly.

The day started with everyone meeting in the Ajax Lounge for a little socialising. Then it was time for the Tele-sellers and Representatives to play against each other in a game of Human Foozball.

The Trudon staff was divided into 6 teams namely, Argentina, Brazil, England, Germany, Italy and Spain. With the title of Human Foozball Champions up for grabs, the games were contested in good spirit, with Germany being crowned winners as they beat Brazil 11-1 in the final.

At midday, the Trudon staff sat down to a meal, followed by a meet-and-greet signing session with a selection of Ajax Cape Town players. The players happily signed Ajax Cape Town player cards, shirts and they posed with the Trudon staff who lined up excitedly to share a moment with some of their favourite Ajax Cape Town players.

Everyone agreed that the day was a great success. Lynn Dejager was especially excited at having gotten the chance to meet the Ajax players and get their signatures.

The event lasted late into the afternoon, as Trudon’s staff pumped up the music after spent the rest of their time at Ikamva socialising, dancing and soaking up the ambience of Ikamva on a day that was not going to be forgotten for some time to come.

Ajax U19 tours Switzerland

Tue, 11 May 2010 12:48:00 +0200

The Ajax Cape Town U19 team fly out on Wednesday 12 May 2010 to participate in the 7th International U19 Football Tournament of Altstatten SG in Switzerland.

The Ajax Youth Academy sends their youth teams to participate against the top world club sides in international tournaments annually.

Maarten Stekelenburg the Ajax Cape Town Head of Youth said, “Tournaments like these are important for the development of players because they get to experience other cultures and play against teams from all over the world.

We have a great player potential however we need to work on the technical and tactical awareness of our players and international tournaments like this give these players the opportunity to fast track this process, to show them what is required of players at international level.

We are looking for players for our PSL team and playing overseas affords the Youth Technical staff an excellent chance to evaluate the players so that they can play at the highest level locally or internationally.”

Ajax Cape Town will fly from Cape Town to Amsterdam then travel to Altstatten, Switzerland where the tournament is played from Friday May 14th to Saturday May 15th 2010.

A number of top European U19 teams are participating in this tournament eg. Blackburn Rovers, FC Altstätten FC, Sturm Graz FC, Bröndby IF, Eintracht Frankfurt FC, St Gallen FC and the current Champions America FC from Brazil.

The trip will also include a sightseeing tour and cable car ride to the highest mountain in Switzerland, Santis about 2 500m above sea level and Ajax Cape Town will play a friendly on Monday 17th May, 2010 against a local team to be finalized later.

Tournament Fixtures

Friday May 14th
11.00 - 11.45 FC Altstätten verstärkt vs Blackburn Rovers FC
11.45 - 12.30 Sturm Graz vs Ajax Cape Town
12.30 - 13.15 Bröndby IF vs FC St. Gallen
13.15 - 14.00 Eintracht Frankfurt vs América FC

14.15 - 15.00 Blackburn Rovers FC vs Sturm Graz
15.00 - 15.45 FC Altstätten verstärkt vs Ajax Cape Town
15.45 - 16.30 Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bröndby IF
16.30 - 17.15 FC St. Gallen vs América FC

17.30 - 18.15 Ajax Cape Town vs Blackburn Rovers FC
18.15 - 19.00 FC Altstätten verstärkt vs Sturm Graz
19.00 - 19.45 FC St. Gallen vs Eintracht Frankfurt
19.45 - 20.30 Bröndby IF vs América FC

Saturday May 15th 2010
12.00 - 13.00 Semi-Final A 1. Group A vs 2. Group B
13.00 - 14.00 Semi-Final B 2. Group A vs 1. Group B

14.30 - 15.30 Spiel um Platz 7 4. Group A vs 4. Group B
15.30 - 16.30 Spiel um Platz 5 3. Group A vs 3. Group B
16.30 - 17.30 Spiel um Platz 3 Second/Third position play-off
17.30 - 18.30 FINALE Final

List of past Champions

1998 - BNZ Vorarlberg
2000 - FC St. Gallen
2002 - Ituano Sao Paulo
2004 - Blackburn Rovers FC
2006 - Bayer 04 Leverkusen
2008 - FC América

Ajax Cape Town U19 squad;
Stefan Nel
Andre Bronkhorst
Taariq Fielies
Mosa Lebusa
Taariq Bernard
Gutu Archford
Isma-eel Stansfield
Brandon-Lee Adams
Lyle Peters
Yazeed Davids
Clyde Hendricks
Toriq Losper
Justin Tantaal
Luke Sauls
Nicholas Levendal
Brandon Petersen
Ganiel Stellenboom

Technical Team
Maarten Stekelenburg - Coach
Salega Williams - Team Manager
Nuhr Rossier - Physiotherapist
Max Grunewald - Head of Delegation

Urban Warrior selected as a superfan.

Sun, 09 May 2010 22:08:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce that Mark Kulp, who runs the Ajax Fan Shop at Ikamva, has been invited to be part the Castle Superfans nationwide Road Show that will be touring the country during the month of May until the 23rd of June.

The road show will pass through all of the provinces and visiting each of the world cup venues focusing on promoting the World Cup and building support for Bafana Bafana.

Speaking excitedly about the tour, Mark said that the aim of the road-show is to get everyone hyped up about the 2010 FIFA South African World Cup and to galvanise the nation into supporting our boys in the national squad.

Mark, who is undoubtedly a true Urban Warrior, was selected as a Superfan last year in recognition to the way he passionately supports Ajax Cape Town. After being short-listed by Castle as a Superfan contender, Mark auditioned to prove that he was worthy of being called a Castle Superfan.

Mark represented South Africa overseas when the superfans were sent to Germany to promote the 2010 FIFA South African World Cup and to support Bafana Bafana as they took on Germany however he is relishing the opportunity to do it on home ground.

He said, “It’s going to be a long trip away from family and friends, but it’s a new and exciting experience”.

But just because he will be away from Ikamva, the home of Ajax Cape Town, doesn’t mean he will be leaving us behind as he packs his Ajax flags and Vuvuzela’s to take with him.

We wish Mark and the rest of the Superfans all of the best. We hope to see Lance Davids of Ajax Cape Town on the field and Mark Kulp of the Ajax Fan Shop in the stands waving his massive South African flag.

Aiming for 2010 Bafana spot

Fri, 07 May 2010 12:58:00 +0200

Lance Davids is a man on a mission – to win a place in Carlos Parreira’s 2010 World Cup squad.

Davids anchored the Ajax Cape Town midfield this season and he also contributed by scoring vital goals in League and Cup competitions. Lance made 24 appearances for Ajax Cape Town this season and he scored five goals.

Lance said, “It’s always an honour to be selected for the national team squad and I intend to work very hard to make the final squad.

The competition for midfield places will intensify when the international players arrive and their presence will motivate the local players to do well.”

The Ajax Cape Town star has been in good form throughout the season and he has been included in the Bafana Bafana training camps in Brazil, Germany and now Johannesburg.

The training camp squad has a strong Ajax Cape Town flavour with the inclusion of Moeneeb Josephs, Bryce Moon, Franklin Cale, Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar. Also included in the squad are the following players who hail from Cape Town Shu-Aib Walters and Matthew Booth.

Another player with strong links to Ajax Cape Town and included in the squad is Aaron Mokoena who is the likely candidate to wear the captains armband.

The announcement of the South African squad to attend the Johannesburg training base camp was made shortly after Bafana Bafana’s return to South Africa from a 19-day training camp in Germany.

The Johannesburg Bafana training camp is the final training camp for Bafana Bafana ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Parreira will announce his 2010 World Cup Squad on June 01, 2010.

The Bafana squad for the Johannesburg training camp is;

GOALKEEPERS - Itumeleng Khune Moeneeb Josephs, Shu-Aib Walters, Rowen Fernandez

DEFENDERS – Matthew Booth, Siboniso Gaxa, Bongani Khumalo, Tshepo Masilela, Innocent Mdledle, Aaron Mokoena, Bryce Moon, Anele Ngcongca, Siyabonga Sangweni, Lucas Thwala

MIDFIELDERS – Franklin Cale, Lance Davids, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Andile Jali, Thanduyise Khuboni, Reneilwe Letsholonyane , Teko Modise, Surprise Moriri, Steven Pienaar, MacBeth Sibaya, Siphiwe Tshabalala

STRIKERS - Katlego Mphela, Benni McCarthy, Siyabonga Nomvete, Bernard Parker

Urban Warrior inspires Cape Winelands

Fri, 07 May 2010 10:25:00 +0200

Kick ‘n Learn Program hits Winelands

Ajax Cape Town’s Kick n Learn program is now being rolled out at eight Primary Schools across Winelands further strengthening the clubs relationship with this region.

Four schools form Paarl and four from Stellenbosch were selected by local Municipality’s.

The Winelands area has been starved for quite some time now of any forms of Premier League soccer. It is for this reason that Ajax Cape Town has reached out in an attempt to provide football activity for the youth from this region.

The Kick ‘n Learn program will take place over six weeks which will take us up to the World Cup. Kick ‘n Learn combines football and education to put across positive messages to the youth. Football fever has really hit the Winelands and with the presence now of Ajax Cape Town the youth will hopefully now have a team worthy of their support. The picture was drawn by one of the local students who showed support for "Ajax" the mascot.

Ajax joins dynamic duo in Masiphumelele.

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200

After three years of travelling throughout South Africa, Tim decided it was time to settle and work within the local community.

He chose to work in Cape Town where he had established firm links with Thomas Mthandazo, a local community worker from the Masiphumelele township who ran informal football sessions for the children of his street.

Thomas is a role model to the young children of the township and he is a key figure in keeping them away from the temptations of township life that often embroil the young and adolescent in disruptive behaviour.

Football has always been his passion and the desire to inspire and entertain the kids of his street through sport even on such a small scale on a voluntary basis, for several years has raised the profile of this humble man.

He saw the need for after schools activities, for positive local role models away from the school environment and he saw the effect even that even the small and occasional early sessions had on the children on his street.

Tim joined Thomas to expand the coaching sessions to more children, using more local staff with more activities on a more regular basis and to add an educational angle to the program because many children in the area are deprived of proper schooling.

From their modest beginnings in July 2009, Tim and Thomas with 20 or so boys, they have now expanded to include in excess of 100 boys, girls and young adults from across the Masi Township into their project.

Now they run football, surfing, swimming, netball and arts and crafts projects and have recruited three new local staff in the form of Thobela, who runs senior football training for members ranging from ages 15-23, Clare who takes the girls for Arts and Crafts sessions and Pila who runs netball training.

With the help of Thobela, they will operate as an official Football Club in the Cape Town Township league, giving the children and young adult’s regular competitive football on the weekends as well as potential to pursue their football dreams.

This year, the duo teamed up with the Ajax Cape Town Community Scheme and ran a successful training session for in excess of 40 local children.

Riyaad Khan, the Ajax Cape Town Community Scheme Coordinator said, “The training session was a wonderful occasion which bought a lot of hope to the kids and expanded their faith and confidence in the program run by Tim and Thomas.

As outreach projects go, it was wonderful to see the local coaches investing their time and effort to bring smiles to every child’s face, ensuring they went home happy.

We hope to run another Ajax Hotspot within this area in the near future.”

Dipsy collects 2nd major award

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:45:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town’s Dipsy Selolwane could not have asked for a better send-off from Ikamva when he was selected as the Telkom Knockout Midfielder of the Tournament.

This is his second award collected over the last two weeks, pocketing R100 000 as part of his Telkom prize that also qualifies him for the Player of the Tournament Award.

Selolwane collected the Golden Boot award at the Ajax Cape Town Annual Awards in mid April.

Dipsy finished as the highest goal-scorer at Ajax over the 2009 – 2010 season scoring six goals in a 23 appearances, all from his central midfield position.

He was also the vital link between the defence and strikers often contributing the final pass leading to a goal or nullifying a dangerous attack with a well timed tackle.

Selolwane’s contribution to Ajax Cape Town’s title challenge in the Telkom Knockout was a major factor in the Urban Warriors reaching the final.

Young Warriors need homes

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:29:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is looking for stable, family-oriented households to house future Urban Warriors.

The boys looking for placement are players from our youth teams that have been scouted from areas outside of the province and are between the ages of 14 and 19.

As part of the agreement between the club and family, the host family will receive an agreed upon monthly allowance to cover the living costs of the player housed.

Anyone interested can contact Kevin Rowell on 082 552 8078 or kevinr@ajaxct.co.za

Ajax youth season kicks off with a bang

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:21:00 +0200

The youth football season of the Ajax Cape Town Youth Academy has kicked off with a bang.

The first round of results saw the youth teams of Ajax Cape Town play five games, winning three, they drew one and lost one, scoring 23 goals and conceding 10 goals.

Last weekend the Ajax Cape Town U 15 team played in the U15 Manchester United Nike Premier Cup and finished a credible second beating off AmaZulu, TUKS and Harmony Gold to win through to the semi-finals.

The Urban Warriors beat Wits 3-0 in the semi-final to set up a final showdown against Orlando Pirates. Ajax did return to the Cape with some silverware when Hassiem Domingo scooped the prized Player of the Tournament award.

This past week the Ajax Cape Town youth teams continued their good form in the league when the Ajax U17 team beat neighbors Vasco da Gama U19 1-0 on Thursday 22 April.

On Saturday Ajax Cape Town beat off the challenges of Norway Parks and Wynberg St John’s, then on Tuesday April 27 it was the turn of the u11 and U12 teams of Vasco da Gama.

The full list of results is;

Thursday 22 April 2010
Ajax CT U17 beat Vasco U19 team 1 – 0 ( U19 League match)

Saturday 24 April 2010
Ajax CT U11 beat Norway Parks 8 – 0
Ajax CT U12 beat Wynberg U13 1 – 0
Ajax CT U13 loose to Bothasig U15 1 – 4

Tuesday 27 April 2010
Ajax CT U11 beat Vasco 8 – 2
Ajax CT U12 draw with Vasco U13 0 – 0

Ajax U15s finish second

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:28:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Towns U15 team finished the U15 Manchester United Nike Premier Cup in second place after succumbing to Orlando Pirates in the final.

The young Urban Warriors finished top of their group beating off AmaZulu, TUKS and Harmony Gold to win through to the semi-finals.

Ajax played Wits University and they did the Cape proud by beating Wits 3-0 in the semi-final to set up a final showdown against Orlando Pirates.

Ajax went down 3-0 to Pirates in the final however Hassiem Domingo scooped the prized Player of the Tournament award.

The Champions of the South African leg of the U15 Manchester United Nike Premier Cup will join 19 clubs from all over the world to compete for the world title in Manchester, England in August.

Cup glory beckons Ajax U15s

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:40:00 +0200

The Ajax Cape Town U15 team attended the launch and draw of the 17th edition of the U15 Manchester United Nike Premier Cup in Johannesburg.

This year, 16 teams will contest this competition and the cream of youth football in South Africa will be on show over the next few days.

The Champions of the South African leg of the U15 Manchester United Nike Premier Cup will join 19 clubs from all over the world to compete for the world title in Manchester, England in August..

Included in the line up of clubs is the Ajax Cape Town U15 team who were drawn in the same group of Amazulu, TUKS and Harmony Gold Academy.

The defending champions Orlando Pirates will kick off the tournament in a game against Corinthians Black Aces.

The groups are;
Group A: Orlando Pirates, Corinthians Black Aces, Pimville, Bidvest Wits

Group B: Tottenham SuperSport, Platinum Stars, School of Excellence, Moroka Swallows

Group C: Balfour Alexandra, Bloemfontein Celtic, Africa Sport, Mogale City

Group D: Ajax Cape Town, AmaZulu, TUKS, Harmony Gold

Stars edge Ajax

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:11:00 +0200

Free State Stars edged out Ajax Cape Town 4-2 on penalties in a tough encounter at Coetzenberg Stadium, Stellenbosch earlier today.

The Free State Stars keeper Kennedy Mweene, kept out penalties by Dipsy Selolwane and Nathan Paulse to end the Urban Warriors Cup run, after the game ended 1-1 after extra time.

It was Ajax Cape Town who scored the first goal of the game when took the lead when Nhlanhla Shabala scored after great passing between George Maluleke and Thulani Serero set Shaba free on goal.

Earlier in the game Sameehg Doutie took on and beat his marker only to see his shot cannon off the cross bar, then Stanton Lewis’s goal-bound shot was blocked. Dipsy Selolwane was set clear on goal but Mweene was quick to react and saved.

It was all Ajax, however as the first progressed Stars created a few goal scoring chances of their own. The visitors equalised on the stroke of halftime when Kingston Nkhatha headed past Vonk from close range.

In the second half both teams created goal-scoring chances but they could not find the finishing touch. It was much of the same in extra-time and the game went to penalties.

Foppe de Haan the Ajax coach said, We can draw many positives from this game however, it was disappointing to our season like this we would have liked to play until the end of the season. We will be back in training this week as we plan for the new season.”

Ajax face Stars in Coetzenberg

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:55:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town will play their Nedbank Cup last 16 game, at the Coetzenberg Stadium on Saturday April 24 at 15h00.

The Urban Warriors have been drawn to play Free State Stars and with Ajax Cape Town’s ambition to lift the last piece of silverware available this season.

Shooz Mekuto, the Ajax Cape Town PRO said, “Ajax Cape Town welcomes playing PSL opposition at this stage of the competition.

We are familiar with their style of play and our players are looking forward to the challenge posed by Stars.

Our preparations are going well and we will monitor the few players who picked up knocks against Wings United in the last round. Another plus is that we are creating and scoring goals.

In our last game we lead 2-0 at halftime and it could have been a greater margin. The coach spoke to the players during the break and they were more composed in the second half adding three more goals to their tally.

Stanton Lewis is on fire having scored four goals in his last four appearances excluding the Cup final.

In his last game he scored two goals. It was his second that made the biggest impression, he stole the ball off a United defender, took on three other defenders and slotted the ball home.

Earlier this season Lewis picked up an injury and as soon as he was back in training he worked hard to regain his form that attracted the attention of Ajax Amsterdam.

It’s been a long hard road for Lewis but we believe that we still to see the best of him. ”

Annual Awards - Ajax Cape Town

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:02:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town held their Annual Awards evening at a lavish function at the Hellenic Club in Green Point on Tuesday 20 April, 2010.

The guests arrived at the venue that nestled under the lights of the Cape Town Stadium that lit up the Mother City’s skyline.

The guests were entertained by D7; a group of young men who sang unaccompanied followed by Riyaad Moosa, a renowned comedian who had everybody in “stitches” with his local brand of comedy.

The MC of the evening, Brandon Baatjies, the Sports Presenter of Good Hope FM, the official radio station of Ajax Cape Town introduced the Veli Mabena, the Brand and Communications of the title sponsors MTN.
John Comitis, the Chairman of Ajax Cape Town followed and he gave a brief summary on how Ajax Cape Town was established, taking the audience through the highs and disappointments from 1998 to the present.

George Comitis the current CEO of Ajax Cape Town stepped up to the podium and proceeded to laud the achievements of Ajax over the past season.

He was followed by Larry Lewis, the Principal of Bokmakierrie Primary School who thanked Ajax for the efforts of the Ajax Community Scheme Coaches and trhe importance of their work within disadvantaged schools.

Foppe de Haan the Ajax coach was next up and his message is summed up in the following manner, “Without the drive, passion and the will to achieve, a team will have nothing to celebrate at the end of the season, however if you have these three attributes then the club can look forward to celebrating some form of success in the future.”

As the dinner progressed the main part of the evening arrived, the announcements of the Player Awards.

The full list of Ajax Cape Town Award winners are:
• Rookie of the Year – Thulani Serero
• Golden Boot Award – Dipsy Selolwane
• Sportsman of the Year – Nhlanhla Shabalala
• Player of the Year – Nazeer Allie
• The Urban Warrior Award – Shooz Mekuto

As the Media clambered for interviews with the Award winners, the evening was rounded off by Sammy Webber and his band who entertained the guests as the evening drew to a close.

Ajax advance

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:18:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town won through to the next round of the Nedbank Cup with a 5-0 win over Wings United at Boland Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Ajax started the game in their usual fashion by taking the game to the opposition, Nathan Paulse’s header crashed against the crossbar and Stanton Lewis also saw his shot hit the woodwork after he beat the keeper with a deft chip.

Late in the first half Thulani Serero released Sameehg Doutie down the right wing and Doutie worked his way towards the near post. The visitors may have expected the winger to cross the ball but he cut inside and slammed the ball home at the near post.

The constant pressure resulted in Wings United conceding a penalty when Selolwane was fouled in the area. Dipsy got up to score from the spot.

At the halftime break Ajax lead 2-0.

The second half saw Ajax start with more purpose and composure and seven minutes from the restart, Stanton Lewis scored the games third goal when he was sent clear on goal. Lewis made no mistake after he drew the United keeper from his line to slot the ball into an empty net.

Lewis was on the scoresheet again late in the second half when he held off three United challenges to fire home from close range. (4-0)

The Urban Warriors made sure of the result when Sameehg Doutie stole into the box unmarked, heading the ball home to make sure of Ajax Cape Town’s progress into the last 16 round of the Nedbank Cup.

Dipsy on the move

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:55:00 +0200

Dipsy Selolwane will become a free agent at the end of the current season after Ajax Cape Town and Dipsy have been unable to agree on terms for the new season.

The Urban Warriors and Selolwane have been in negotiations for the past few months and unfortunately a deal for the midfielders services could not be agreed to between the club and player.

Shooz Mekuto the Ajax PRO said, “We are sad to lose the services of Dipsy, he is a true professional on and off the field. He leads by example and gives 120% in every game. Dipsy played a vital role in the heart of the Ajax midfield and the club wishes him well in his future endeavours.

Selolwane is a free agent at the end of the season thereby affording him to find a club of his choice for next season.”

Selolwane, a Botswana international with 11 caps has represented the Urban Warriors 38 times since his move from Cosmos and he has scored some crucial goals to see Ajax stay on course for the Telkom Knockout and League campaigns this season.

Dipsy’s footballing career took him from Gaborone United in Botswana's Premier League to college football at St. Louis University in the USA.

Selolwane was named first-team All-American in 2001 and was drafted 36th overall in the 2002 MLS superdraft by the Chicago Fire FC.

In 2004, Selolwane was traded to Real Salt Lake however limited action in the MLS saw him return to Southern Africa where he was snapped up Santos FC where he made 45 appearances many as captain, scoring 13 goals before his move to Cosmos in 2007.

Dipsy signed for Ajax Cape Town in 2008 after only two appearances for Jomo Cosmos in the 2007/8 season.

Ajax play | Wings Utd | in Nedbank Cup

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:11:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town start their campaign to capture the Nedbank Cup against minnows Wings United from Upington at the Boland Stadium on Sunday 18 April 2010, the game starts at 15h00.

The Urban Warriors are about to wreak revenge on the Upington based team after their recent loss in last game, the Telkom Knockout final.

This competition gives the Ajax players a chance to redeem themselves and put the disappointment of losing a Cup final behind them.

The Nedbank Cup is the last opportunity for the Urban Warriors to win a trophy this season and the Ajax players are have their sights set on this piece of silverware.

This game will give the Ajax coach a chance to play some of his fringe players without the risk of changing his pattern of play or showing his opponents any sign of disrespect.

The Urban Warriors do not know what to expect from the visitors so it will be wise for them to concentrate on their own game.

Sameehg Doutie makes a welcome return to the side after he served a one match suspension while the likes of Thulani Hlatswayo and Aiden Jenniker are also set to return to the action.

Shooz Mekuto the Ajax PRO said, “Wings United is an unknown entity therefore we will concentrate on or own game-plan.

This game affords us the chance to give a number of our fringe players a run on the park however I must stress that we will not risk our chances to progress in this competition.

The coach wants the team to progress as far as possible because the longer they play in this competition will assist his preparations for the season next year.

To win this game important for the club and the players are ready to face the challenge presented by our visitors.”

Diyo attracts offers from Qatar

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:49:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town would like to confirm that the club has received serious offers from unnamed clubs from Qatar for the services of our striker Diyo Sibisi, but at this stage we are not looking at offloading any of our strikers.

The club’s policy has always been not to stand in the way of the future of any player

when overseas call comes. We will wait and see if the offer is firm and is in the best interest of the player and the club.

Ajax fans show their colours

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:07:00 +0200

As soon as the news of the venue of the Telkom Knockout Final was announced, the Ajax Cape town fans started planning their trip to Durban.

Busses had to be organised, notices had to be dispatched and a coordinator had to administer all the paperwork. In a few short days all the paper work was done and the busses filled up in no time.

Friday was D Day for the fans as they gathered at Ikamva. The excitement was tangible as the waited for the first bus to leave.

The journey was long and arduous but as soon as they arrived in Durban the spirits of the Ajax fans lifted. The “Urban Warriors” arrived at the team’s hotel to wish their heroes well before the game.

Despite being outnumbered in the stands the Red and White colours stood proud of the masses around them and they made their presence felt.

Shooz Mekuto the Ajax PRO said, “We have some of the most loyal supporters in the country. They will go out of their way to support their team.

When we played the semi-final in Bloemfontein they drove up from Cape Town and now they travelled to Durban to watch their team.

Supporters arrived in Durban from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and even Bloemfontein.

Although we do not have the numbers yet, we have the fastest growing supporters clubs in the country.”

Urban Warriors Knocked Out

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 21:26:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town went down 2-1 to Kaizer Chiefs in the Telkom Knockout final played in Durban on Saturday evening.

The Urban Warriors started the game in attack mode taking the match to Chiefs but three goal scoring opportunities went unconverted before the twenty minute mark, then Chiefs counter-attacked and scored against the run of play when Hans Vonk misjudged the bounce of the ball only to parry it into the path of Masango who made no mistake from tow yards to open the score.

The second goal of the game came in the opening minutes of the second half after a defensive error allowed Knowledge Musona in on goal and the Chiefs player made no mistake to give Chiefs a two goal lead.

The Urban Warriors never gave up and they pulled a goal back in the 84th minute when Diyo Sibisi latched onto a Nathan Paulse pass to fire the ball into the roof of the net.

Ajax tried to find the equaliser but time was not on their side as the match official blew time on their Telkom Knockout Challenge.

Team work key to victory, De Haan

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:06:00 +0200

Cup Final fever has hit Ikamva and by all indications the Urban Warriors want to defend their Telkom Knockout title at all costs.

The Urban Warriors play Kaizer Chiefs at the ABSA Stadium in Durban on Saturday 10 April 2010, the game starts at 20h15.

The players know what lies ahead and their task is huge; beat Kaizer Chiefs and bring home the trophy.

Foppe de Haan the Ajax Cape Town coach said, “We do not fear any team in this competition and now we are down to only two. To win any major trophy you need to be prepared to play and beat the best and we are prepared for this game.

This Ajax team has improved a lot since I arrived and what pleases me is that we are playing as a team, not as individuals. The players are playing for each other, working hard as a collective.

If you look at our last couple of games we have scored some great goals, team goals with a number of players touching the ball leading up to the goal. We will play in the same manner for the final.

We are hit by two injuries and one suspension that has hampered our preparations, Derek Decamps and Brett Evans are still recuperating from their injuries. Brett will be ready to play within the next month however Derek however will be unavailable for a longer period of time.

Sameehg Doutie is the only player really unavailable after he picked up a third yellow card in the semi-final.

We have Clayton and Deniss Ivanovs back in contention for a place in the team and Clayton looks to be a favourite to reclaim his place in the starting line-up. He was performing well before his suspension and he gives the team that something extra. He reads the game well and does not shirk his defensive duties.

Clayton’s return ensures that Shabalala can return to the midfield alongside either Clifford or Dipsy.

The return to form of Stanton Lewis is especially satisfying, he has worked hard at training and his performances speak for themselves. He has a good eye for goal, is comfortable in possession and his partnership with Nathan and George produces goals.

So as you can see, as a collective the team has taken shape very well and we have players all over the park that can turn the game to our advantage.”

Tafadzwa Rusike signs for Ajax

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:40:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce that Tafadzwa Rusike has signed for the club.

Tafadzwa, a left winger is a U 20 Zimbabwean international who plays for Caps United.

He started his football with Alaska Lions at Amateur level and soon caught the attention of Caps United's scouts. Tafadzwa said, “I am happy to sign for Ajax Cape town because they are a club who like to work with young players and they play exciting football.”

George Comitis the Ajax CEO said, “We are happy to have secured the signature of Tafadzwa. He is an exciting player in the same mould as Franklin Cale.

He is the second U20 player whom we have signed because we are building our team for the future. All indications are that Tafadzwa will be an asset to Ajax Cape Town and we very happy to welcome him to Ikamva.”

United beat Ajax at Metropolitan

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:19:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Towns Metropolitan Premier Cup ambitions came to a halt when they were beaten in the semi-final by Supersport United.

Ajax won a place in the final by virtue of a 3-1 win over Ikapa Sporting on Sunday morning.

Billed as the final before the final, Ajax started the game with a quick goal within the first minutes from the start.

Gutu played a through ball to Lyle Peters who laid on the final pass to Isma-eel Stansfield who made no mistake from close range.

The Urban Warriors hardly had time to celebrate when Supersport drew level. A quick counter -attack down the Ajax left resulted with a cross into the box that was headed home to level the scores.

Ajax carved out two more chances before the break, but it was Supersport who broke the deadlock to score their second goal.

The second half saw Supersport hitting the back of the Ajax net four more times without a response for the Pretoria based team to win 6-1 to win a place in the final against Baltic Rangers who beat Vasco da Gama 4-3 in extra time of their game.

Its a Knockout!

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 03:34:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town won through to their second successive Telkom Knockout Final when they beat a plucky Amazulu side 2-0 in the semi-final played in Bloemfontein on Saturday evening.

Ajax progressed after goals by Stanton Lewis and Nathan Paulse sealed the win.

The game started with both sides cautiously looking for an opening that would give them an advantage.

The Urban Warriors, missing a number of first team regulators, held Usuthu for most of the first half. Both teams had chances to score but they found the keepers in good form as they made the crucial saves.

Stanton Lewis broke the deadlock in the 70th minute when he ran onto a superb Sameehg Doutie pass to score past an advancing Usuthu keeper.

The goal prompted Amazulu to attack and this time it was Ajax Cape Town who played on the counter-attack.

Nathan Paulse extended the Ajax lead when he outjumped the Amazulu keeper at the far post.

Ajax Cape Town will have to wait on the outcome of the other semi-final between Chiefs and Pirates before they know who their opponents will be.

Ajax beat Mutual to advance

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 14:04:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town rose to the challenge when they faced their local rivals, Old Mutual in a must win game at Erica Park on Saturday morning.

The Urban Warriors beat Old Mutual 3-0 to finish top of group “D” to ensure a last 16 playoff game against Players Academy at 17h00 on Saturday afternoon.

The game started at a fast pace as both teams tried to outmuscle each other into playing in their own half.

Ajax used their wings well and Isma-eel Stansfield excelled on the left wing causing the Mutual defence to commit fouls in dangerous areas, this ploy worked to the advantage of Ajax who looked dangerous when ever they went forward.

Old Mutual played on the counter but they seldom troubled Tawfeeq Salie in goal for the Urban Warriors.

The second half started the same as a first with the Urban Warriors pressing forward and Old Mutual playing from deep.

The game changed half way into the second half when Ajax opened the scoring from a corner-kick. The goal took the pressure off the Ajax players and they played with more freedom, playing the ball behind the Mutual backline playing the ball from out wide via the boots of Clyde Hendricks and Stansfield.

Mutual concede a penalty when Yazeed Davids was brought down in the box. Archford Gutu made no mistake from the spot (2-0).

Ajax killed off the game as a contest when Yazeed Davids completed the scoring when he fired home from just outside the box (3-0).

Ajax see Stars in Met Cup

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:45:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town’s road to the Metropolitan Premier Cup title suffered a setback at Erica Park earlier today when they went down to a plucky Free State Stars by two goals to one.

The Urban Warriors played Free State Stars in the second group “D” game and it was all Ajax in the first half. In the opening minutes of the game Ajax almost took the lead but the goal-bound shot flew wide from close range.

Stars made some inroads into the Ajax half but did not trouble the Ajax keeper, Tawfeeq Salie until a rare counter-attack and a defensive error by the Ajax centre-backs allowed the Stars striker in on goal.

Salie tried to close the angle but his effort was in vain as Stars took a surprise lead. Ajax fought back and won a number of free-kicks just inside the Stars half.

The second half was again all Ajax before Stars took the lead. The goal was scored from a suspiciously off-side position after the Ajax players stopped playing expecting to hear the whistle, however the match official waved play-on and Stars took full advantage to tap the ball into the Ajax net.

The Urban Warriors, trailing 2-0 threw everything into their attacks. The introduction of Lyle Peters and Travis Graham revitalised the Ajax offensive.

Peters harassed the Stars defence while Travis set up the Ajax attacks on the right flank. This ploy worked and Ajax rarely played in their own half.

The pressure paid-off when Star conceded a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area from which Ajax scored.

The Urban Warriors came close in their search for an equaliser but two great saves from the Stars keeper kept his side in front.

Ajax Cape Town needs a win from their last group stage game against Old Mutual to stay in the hunt.

The two teams meet at 10h15 on Easter Saturday morning in a winner-takes-all affair making for an exciting morning at the Metropolitan Premier Cup.

We aim to win Metropolitan Premier Cup, Stekenlenberg

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:00:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town start their campaign to win the Metropolitan Premier Cup tonight when they face Manzini Sundowns at 20h00 at the Erica park sportsgrounds in Belhar.

The Metropolitan Premier Cup is in its 22nd year and the competition continues to attract the cream of South African youth footballing talent.

This year Ajax Cape Town is joined by Santos, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Free State Stars, Bloemfontein Celtic, Supersport United and Moroka Swallows all clubs with teams in the PSL.

The remaining teams have played for their places in this competition.

The Urban Warriors are in Group D with Free State Stars, Swaziland 1 and Old Mutual Academy FC.

Ajax Cape Town has won this tournament four times, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2008 and they will be aiming to make it five.

Maarten Stekelenberg the Ajax Cape Town coach is confident that his side can succeed this weekend. He said, “We have a strong side for this tournament. A number of our players have played together in the Vodacom league this year and that was challenging for our young players.

It’s always good to play against the top youth teams in this country; it is a fantastic tournament with football played at the highest level.

When selecting our team for this tournament I looked at players who can compete against the best, however I must emphasise that our aim is to develop players for our PSL team and if we succeed in winning tournaments in the process then that’s a bonus.

We have included Lyle Peters in our squad, as you know he was promoted to our PSL team in January and his experience of training and playing at that level will be an asset to our team. We also included Tawfeeq Salie and Ismail Stansfield who have been included in the International U20 Challenge set for Cape Town Stadium next week.

We have some very good players and we will play some very good football but most importantly I urge the fans to come and support our players because they are considered to be the twelfth member of our team.”

Urban Warriors ready for battle

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:43:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town will have to pull out all the stops if they are to reach the finals of the Telkom Knockout competition.

The Urban Warriors travel to Bloemfontein to play the semi-final against Amazulu at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Saturday at 20h15, with a side that has been hit by suspensions and injuries.

Ajax are without the services of Lance Davids and Thulani Serero due to international duty but most crucial is that both first choice centre-backs are suspended after collecting their third yellow cards in the quarter final to earn a one game suspension.

With Clayton Daniels and Denniss Ivanovs out of contention for a place in the starting line-up, Ajax is also without the services of Derek Decamps and Brett Evans leaving the coach with a selection poser of note.

A number of the young guns in the Ajax squad have “put up their hands” in recent games and they played crucial roles in the success of the team recently.

Grandwald Scott continues to impress with his reading of the game, not only providing defence splitting passes as he did against Arrows but he has scored regularly in the last couple of games, then there is Sameehg Doutie who produced improved performances on the wing.

Foppe de Haan is not too concerned because Thulani Hlatswayo is available for this game and although he may have to reshuffle his back-line it gives him an option of fielding a more offensive line-up.

De Haan said, “The exclusion of Daniels and Ivanovs is a problem for us but we need to plan ahead and with Thulani available we can move Allie next to him.

Jennicker makes a welcome return at left-back and we can pull Maluleka into the right back position. George is an attacking player and he gives us added fire power up front when going forward.

I would like to keep our midfield as is because this gives the team their stability.

We have produced improved performances over the last couple weeks and I like the way the players are responding to the challenges ahead.”

Ajax win appeal

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:45:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town won their appeal in the case between the club and Tsweu Mokoro.

The Urban Warriors lodged an appeal to the South African Football Association against the Dispute Resolution Chamber's verdict to award R336 000 to Mokoro.

Initially there was a ruling that the AmaZulu midfielder won his case however Ajax Cape Town appealed successfully against the ruling.
The SAFA National Appeal Board ruled that the appeal was upheld and the decision of the DRC was set aside and each party had to pay their own costs

The SAFA National Appeal Board “The DRC misdirected itself in finding that there was not compliance with the requirements of Section 189 of the LRA in respect of the dismissal of Mokoro for operational requirements. It is clear from the evidence of Fourie that Mokoro accepted the process, that he participated therein that as a professional footballer accepted the he needed to move on, that he accepted that for him, the only consideration was the amount that he was to be paid in respect. The finding is that the decision to retrench was properly and genuinely justified by operational requirements in the sense that it was a reasonable option in the circumstances.

George Comitis the Ajax CEO said, “The coach is the sole selector of the team. The players get the glory when the team performs well and when the team performs badly the coach is to blame.
It is the decision of the coach at to what players he wants to use.”

Ajax face Wings United in Nedbank Cup

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:07:00 +0200

The Nedbank Cup draw lived up to its reputation when a number of non PSL clubs were drawn to play against PSL teams with a few mouth watering fixtures composed of big PSL teams.

The last-32 draw of the Nedbank Cup was held at lavish function in Johannesburg and the proceedings held the attention of all the club representatives present.

The Urban Warriors drew Wings FC who hail from Upington and despite their minnow status they are not to be taken lightly as this competition is known for producing upsets.

Ajax Cape Town is focused on their Telkom Knockout semi-final against Amazulu, however they will switch their aim for the Nedbank Cup only after they have completed the Telkom Knockout commitments.

Ajax is drawn to play their opening fixture of this competition at home and will need to review the options available to them especially with Athlone Stadium out of contention.

The draw produced a few mouth watering clashes between Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates play Bloemfontein Celtic and Santos take on Jomo Cosmos.

Mamelodi Sundowns face a tricky game against Island FC and Maritzburg United play AmaZulu with defending champions Moroka Swallows playing against Golden Arrows.

The full draw is;
Mr Price Parkhurst vs Winners Park
Ajax Cape Town vs Wings United FC
Thanda Royal Zulu vs Peace Lovers
Santos vs Jomo Cosmos
Orlando Pirates vs Bloemfontein Celtic
Maritzburg United vs AmaZulu
Nathi Lions vs Bidvest Wits
Island FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Moroka Swallows vs Golden Arrows
Platinum Stars vs Als Puk Tawana FC
Tower United vs Free State Stars
SuperSport United vs Kaizer Chiefs
Ikapa Sporting vs FC Cape Town
FC Royals vs MP Black Aces
University of Pretoria vs Vasco Da Gama

Ajax Semi set for Bloemfontein

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:29:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town will travel to Bloemfontein’s Seisa Ramabodu Stadium to play their Telkom Knockout semi-final against Amazulu on Saturday 03 April 2010.

The game will start at 20h15.

The Urban Warriors are relishing their impending game against Amazulu on Easter Saturday and Foppe de Haan said, “Like any other Cup game we will approach this game in the same manner should Ajax have drawn Chiefs or Pirates.

If we want to win the competition we must be prepared to play against any team.

We have shown that we are improving with every game and the result against Golden Arrows at the weekend is an example of this.

We are playing well as a team, and both goals were scored after good teamwork by our players.”

The Ajax fans are already making arrangements to travel to Bloemfontein for this game to ensure that the Urban Warriors return to Cape Town still on track to defend their title.

In the other Telkom Knockout semifinal, a Soweto Derby looms, Orlando Pirates play Kaizer Chiefs on Easter Monday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Kick-off is at 15h00.

The Fixtures are;

03 April – AmaZulu vs. Ajax Cape Town (Seisa Ramabodu) - 20h15
05 April - Orlando Pirates vs. Kaizer Chiefs (Moses Mabhida) - 15h00

Ajax Cape Town - Youth Update 29 March 2010

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:07:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town’s youth teams continue to impress after the U13 and U15 teams beat all opposition to win the Strandfontein FC and Chezmont Rovers tournaments at the weekend.

To cap a fine performance by the Ajax youth teams, the Ajax PSL team beat Golden Arrows 2-1 to advance to the semi-finals of the Telkom Knockout competition.

The writing was on the wall for Ajax Cape Town’s opposition, both senior and junior even before the weekend started when the Urban Warriors made a clean sweep of friendly results against Edgemead FC at Ikamva on Friday evening.

The results for the friendlies against Edgemead FC are as follows;

Ajax Cape Town U11 6 – 0 Edgemead FC U11

Ajax Cape Town U12 3 – 0 Edgemead FC U13

Ajax Cape Town U17 1 – 0 Edgemead FC U19

Ajax Cape Town U19 1 – 0 Edgemead FC 1st Team

The Ajax Cape Town U13 team did very well at the weekend when they won the U13 Strandfontein Tournament in Spine Road, Mitchells Plain.

Participating teams included Vasco da Gama, Juventus, Santos, Wynberg St Johns, Peninsula, and Mr price Parkhurst to name a few.

Ajax Cape Town drew with Vasco in their first game but beat Seven Stars in the group stages before they overcame Peninsula and Mr Price Parkhurst in the Quarter – Semi Finals respectively.

The U13 finals was a tough encounter against Lucky Stars however the young Urban Warriors persevered and beat Lucky Stars 4 – 2 with goals from Masilake Phohongo (x2), Lunathi Mdatyulwa, Junaid Maart for Ajax Cape Town.

The results of Ajax Cape Town’s championship march in the U13 Strandfontein Tournament are;-
Game 1: - Ajax Cape Town drew with Vasco da Gama 1 – 1
Game 2: - Ajax Cape Town beat Seven Stars 10 – 1
Q/F:- Ajax Cape Town beat Pennisula 5 – 1
S/F:- Ajax Cape Town beat Mr Price 1 – 0
Final:- Ajax Cape Town beat Lucky Stars 4 – 2

The U15 Chezmont Rovers FC tournament in 9th Avenue Grassy Park also took place this past weekend.

Not only was Ajax Cape Town successful on the field, but they also won individual awards. The Ajax Cape Town U15 coach Ian Taylor won the Coach of the Tournament Award and Jody February won the Goal Keeper of the Tournament Award.

Curtly Poole scored the winning goal in the final.

The results are as follows;
Ajax Cape Town 1 – 0 Morgenster
Ajax Cape Town 4 – 0 Santos
Ajax Cape Town 1 – 1 Blue Downs
Ajax Cape Town 4 – 0 South End Academy
Ajax Cape Town 3 – 0 Fire Fighters
Ajax Cape Town 1 - 0 Two For Joy Q/F
Ajax Cape Town 2 – 1 Mr Price Parkhurst S/F
Ajax Cape Town 1 – 0 Lucky Stars (Bay Hill team)

This Easter weekend the biggest U19 football tournament in South Africa is taking place. The Metropolitan premier Cup kicks off at Erica Park on Thursday.

Watch this website for all the latest updates and news.

Lewis seals Ajax win

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 19:46:00 +0200

Last week Stanton Lewis started his first gamer for Ajax Cape Town, this week he repaid the faith of his coach when he fired Ajax Cape Town into the semi-finals of the Telkom Knockout with a fine individual goal.

Ajax came out all systems firing as they took the game to Arrows and the pressure almost paid-off when George Maluleke was set free down the middle just inside the penalty area but he pulled his shot wide.

Minutes later he made amends for his first miss when he slipped a Sameehg Doutie cross in at the near post to give Ajax the lead. The goal was scored as a result of some great inter-passing that resulted in the cross from Doutie.

Ajax played the game at a fast pace and they closed down the opposition in possession quickly, not giving them room to play their game. This ploy paid dividends as Arrows was rushed into passing the ball, often losing possession in the process.

In a rare attack Arrows fashioned an equaliser when Mzuvukile Tom firing the ball past the Ajax defence from an acute angle.

Arrows boosted by the goal came back into the game and they pressed Ajax late in the first half.

The Urban Warriors started the second half in the same way as the first and they pinned Arrows into their own half for last periods of time.

Six minutes later Stanton Lewis scored for Ajax after he beat four Arrows defenders before firing into the net to give Ajax the lead.

Arrows pressed forward in search of an equaliser but Hans Vonk stood firm in the goal. He got a hand to an Arrows free-kick to push the ball wide.

Thamsanga Gabuza almost found himself in the wrong end of a red card when his studs-up tackle caught Nazeer Allie on the shins, sending the Ajax player crashing to the ground, but the match official showed him a yellow card much to the repulsion of the Ajax fans who booed the decision.

The match official again found himself at the end of the jeers by the Ajax fans when he ruled-out Granwald Scott’s goal at the far post. Nathan Paulse, a late second half substitute hit a low shot through the Arrows defence, the Arrows keeper saw the ball late and he parried the ball to the feet of Scott who tucked the ball in at the far post.

To the bewilderment of the home team and their supporters, the goal was ruled offside and the game was restarted with a free-kick.

Arrows saw their late chance to equalise crash off the cross bar, while Diyo Sibisi shot flew narrowly wide on the other end.

Ajax won 2-1 and progressed to the semi-final against Amazulu on the Easter weekend. The venue for the semi-final will be decided later this week.

Ajax light up Eskom

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 01:03:00 +0200

In their bid to boost Football Friday’s ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Eskom invited Ajax Cape Town’s PSL team to meet and greet their staff at their Headquarters in Bellville, Cape Town.

The Ajax players arrived to the sound of the crowd's cheers, applause and vuvuzela’s that rang around the room.

The waiting was over and the players signed autographs on Ajax Calendars, Flags, Player Cards, even shirts and “body parts”.

Injongo Primary School of Khayelitsha joined the “Football Friday” festivities because they are part of Eskom’s CSI initiatives.

They were invited by Eskom to welcome Cape Town’s No.1 PSL team, Ajax Cape Town.

The mood in the Eskom cafeteria was jovial as the Urban Warriors posed for photographs and engaged in conversation with the Eskom employees, before Ajax Cape Town made their way to the fourth floor to meet Eskom’s General Manager.

After meeting the Eskom GM, the Urban Warriors made their way home, clearly delighted to be part of Eskom's "Football Friday" festivities.

My players can do it, De Haan

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:02:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town’s coach Foppe de Haan is confident that his players have the ability to progress to the semi-final of the Telkom Knockout.

Despite missing key players for the game against Golden Arrows on Sunday at Newlands through injuries and the national team camp in Brazil, Foppe is keen to give the fringe players game time to ensure that all his players are razor-sharp whenever they are called upon.

Missing are Lance Davids and Thulani Serero who are in Brazil, Brett Evans, Derek Decamps and Thulani Hlatshwayo are all out injured.

To compound selection problems in the Ajax camp, Aiden Jenniker is suspended for this game after picking up his third yellow card.

In the face of all these selection issues the Ajax coach was upbeat about his team’s chances of progressing to the next round of the Telkom Knockout. Foppe said, “We have a pretty good team and we played well in our last game against Swallows.

Defensively we may need to move either Nhlanhla or Clayton to the left-back position and both players proved themselves more than capable of doing a good job there.

We still need to improve on our finishing and we have worked on this area in training.

Granville Scott has proved that he is a very capable player coming in from the left and he was a proven goal scorer before his lengthy layoff due to an injury.

Scott is capable of much more and if he pushes himself hard he can be a match winner in our team.

However I must say that the team has improved in recent games and they are playing well as a collective. We controlled the flow of our last game very well and scored from some great work on the wing.

It was a team goal as more than five players were involved in the build-up and it was encouraging to see the team score a goal like that.

On Sunday we need more goals from the team and if they play like they do on the training field then we will score more than one goal in the game,” concluded De Haan.

Ajax player losses father tragically

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:32:00 +0200

It is with great sadness that we at Ajax Cape Town received the news of the death of Keith Jenniker, the father of Aiden Jenniker who plays for Ajax Cape Town.

Mr Jenniker died tragically on Friday morning and Ajax Cape Town would like to extend their condolences to Aiden Jenniker and his family at the loss of his father.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.

The funeral will be held at;

Venue: All Saints Church
            O Kiep Road, Lansdowne (The road is diagonally opposite the Santos Academy off Lansdowne Road)
Date:   Thursday 25 March 2010
Time:   11h30

Ajax v Arrows in Telkom KO

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:28:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town will renew their rivalry with Golden Arrows when the two clubs were drawn to meet in the quarter-final of the Telkom Knockout.

Shooz Mekuto, the Ajax Cape town PRO was at the draw this morning and he said, “We are happy with this draw. In our last game together we drew 1-1 in Durban and as a result we knocked Arrows out of the MTN8 competition.

Now we aim to continue where we left off, by advancing to the semi-finals.

Our players want to defend their Telkom Knockout title and they keen to take on Arrows.”

The draw was made at the at the PSL offices in Parktown in Johannesburg this morning and the remaining fixtures are;

Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs
Jomo Cosmos v Orlando Pirates
SuperSport United v AmaZulu
Ajax Cape Town v Golden Arrows

Ajax win in Kensington.

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 19:43:00 +0200

The annual Kensington Football Tournament is well underway and a number of local U-9, U-11 and U-15 teams are competing for honours within their age group.

This annual tournament started on Thursday 18 and runs until Sunday 21 March, 2010 attracting the top local teams to participate in this pre-season tourney.

Ajax Cape Town, Norway Parks, Saxon Rovers and Crusaders are amongst the teams participating.

The opening fixtures provided some surprise results as the families packed the venue to cheer on their youngsters.

Earlier in the day, Luck Stars surprised the Ajax Cape Town U11’s with a 3-2 win in the quarter-finals of this age group.

The Ajax U15 team navigated their first round games beating Crusaders AFC 4-0 in their last round robin game to qualify for the quarter-finals.

The quarter-final saw Ajax Cape Town play Norway Parks. The Urban Warriors overcame the Maitland based side 5-0 to progress to the semi-finals, then Ajax U15 team marched into the finals with a well earned 2-1 win over Morgenster FC .

In the final of the U15 section of the Kensington Annual Tournament, Ajax Cape Town beat Lucky Stars 2-0 to take the title.

This is the first youth tournament ahead of the new season and with a number of tournaments lined up, Ajax Cape Town’s youth teams will have ample opportunities to fine tune their sides before the first official league game of 2010 – 2011 season.

Ajax visits Curro School, Durbanville.

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:40:00 +0200

On Friday 19 March 201, Ajax Cape Town was invited to Curro Private School in Durbanville. Despite soccer not being the preferred school sport of choice, the interest in soccer has grown with the upcoming world cup.

The Ajax Cape Town Community Scheme coaches arrived to find 115 Grade 3 learners waiting in anticipation for what was promised to be a day full of fun and surprises.

Divided into 4 groups, the learners took part in mini-soccer matches, dribbling drills, co-ordination exercises and fun games like “grab the tail”.

The day wasn’t only about fun and games, fair play and respect were also stressed and the day also had a very important message.

The Curro learners were instructed on how to remember and use the 10111 hotline in an emergency. They were taught that knowing how to save someone’s life can be the most important thing they can do, even more important than scoring a goal or winning a soccer match.

Just when the learners thought the fun had come to an end, each pupil received a “goodie” bag from Ajax Cape Town and a folder with information about the life-skills they were taught earlier in the day, thereby ensuring that they enjoyed a truly unforgettable day.

Holiday Clinics ready to blast off

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:57:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town will be hosting Holiday Soccer Clinics for all young football fans.

The children who enroll to participate in the Ajax Holiday Clinics will be able to experience life as a professional footballer from the time they arrive at Ikamva.

The coaching clinics will be run by competent coaches who have an English FA Level 1. These coaches are part of the Ajax Community Scheme program and they are very experienced in dealing with children of all ages.

The children enrolled in the Ajax Holiday Clinics will have their own dressing room with the kit laid out for them every day and they will enjoy all their meals in the Ikamva Restaurant with the Ajax PSL team at the next table.

The children’s will also be afforded a meet and greet with their favourite Ajax players and even have their photographs taken with Ajax, the Warrior mascot who has become a celebrity in his own right.

The details for the Ajax Cape Town Holiday Soccer Clinics are as follows;

Date: 29& 30 March 2010
Ages: 6 – 10

Date: 31st March & 1st April
Ages: 10 – 15

Time: 09h00 – 15h00

Cost: R 200 per child

All participants are to bring their soccer boots, shin-guards & towels.
Lunch, refreshments and a goodie-bag will be provided.

To book or more info contact: Salega Williams on 021 930 6001 or e-mail: salegaw@ajaxct.co.za

Ajax plan ahead

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:39:00 +0200

The 2009 – 2010 season is in the last stage before the 2010 World Cup and Ajax Cape Town are already planning for the 2010-2011 season.

The Urban Warriors have invited a number of trialist to train at Ikamva over the past couple of weeks in preparation for next season.

George Comitis the Ajax CEO said, “Now that we secured the services of Foppe de Haan we need to concentrate on putting together a formidable team ahead of next season.

Foppe is an experienced coach and by agreeing to a new contract, he has the time to look at the players available and prepare his team for the new season.”

More good news is that Ajax Cape Town has offered Hans Vonk an extension to his current contract.

The Urban Warriors are keen to retain the services of Vonk who was capped by Bafana Bafana, 43 times from 1997 to 2005 before he retired from the national team.

Vonk played his football in the Netherlands from 1988 – 2006 before he transferred from Ajax Amsterdam to Ajax Cape Town.

He returned to Ajax Amsterdam for the 2008-2009 season but returned to Cape Town in 2009 after a stint at Heereveen FC.

Comitis said, “We in the final stages of negotiations and will endeavour to work hard at securing his services. Vonk has loads of experience and he leads by example.

Since the loss of the club captain Brett Evans due to an injury, Hans has captained the side in his absence.

Hans has served the club well and we would like to ensure that he stays at Ikamva, ”concluded Comitis

Ajax visits Belpark Primary.

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:58:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town visited Belpark Primary School in Bellville in a continued drive to extend the reach of the Ajax Community Scheme.

The nature of the visit was to join the pupils in celebrating the school’s annual carnival.

Belpark Primary School has more than 900 learners and they celebrated their annual carnival amid much fanfare on a hot summer’s day.

Mr. Deon Wentzel, Belpark Primary School’s principal invited Ajax Cape Town to join their annual carnival.

He made it clear that he really wanted a soccer presence at the event and to create awareness amongst the learners about the 2010 FIFA South African World Cup.

In order to drive the enthusiasm amongst the pupils about the 2010 World Cup each class at the school is tasked to support a participating national team and to do research about their team’s respective countries.

The pupils took their task to the next level by decorating their classrooms in their chosen countries, national colours.

The annual Belpark Primary carnival began at 10am promptly, the schools learners and their parents came out in their numbers in support of the event.

Activities offered on the day included a wet slide, theme park rides, face painting and an army style winch-slide rope ride from quite some height.

The Ajax Cape Town Community team had their own stations that included a variety of football drills and the Community Scheme coaches officiated at the school’s 5-a-side tournament that took place inside an inflatable field.

The highlight of the football activities was the arrival of eight Ajax Cape Town PSL players who arrived to a rapturous applause.

They signed Ajax posters and players cards for the learners in attendance and they participated in a go-kart race. The pupils hand-built eight go-karts and sponsored by local businesses.

The day proved to be a great success for everyone in attendance.

Ajax Cape Town and Belpark Primary School have established a relationship that will continue to flourish via the Ajax Community Scheme in order to assist the school to establish football as part of their sports curriculum.

YOUTH UPDATE 15 March 2010

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:56:00 +0200

The Ajax Cape Town youth teams continued in earnest with their preparations for the new season.

Due to the extent of the results over previous weeks the Ajax youth Academy decided to play their teams in an age group higher eg Ajax Cape Town U13 would play against the Paarl Select U15 team.

The decision to play the Ajax teams in a higher category paid off as the Ajax players were competition at a higher level compelling them to play quicker, more precise and to maintain possession against older opponents.

All the games were competitive with the Ajax coaches and players being challenged in every department.

This week the Ajax teams scored nine goals and conceded 8 goals.

On Monday evening the Ajax Cape Town U17 players will play against the Paarl U19 Select XI at Ikamva and this should be an exciting game as both teams will be looking for a win.

Youth results:

Monday 8 March 2010

Ajax CT U17 beat Vasco U19 Team 1 - 0

Saturday 13th March 2010

Ajax CT U11 lost to Paarl Select 5 - 3
Ajax CT U12 lost to Paarl Select 1 - 0
Ajax CT U13 lost to Paarl Select 2 - 1
Ajax CT U15 Beat Paarl Select 4 - 0

Upcoming fixtures:

Monday 15 March 2010

Ajax CT U17 vs Paarl Select U19 Team at Ikamva @ Kick off 18h30

Saturday 20th March 2010

Ajax CT U11 & U15 Teams play in the Kensington Tournament
Ajax CT U12 play FC Valencia U13 at Ikamva @ Kick off 10h30
Ajax CT U13 play FC Valencia U15 at Ikamva @ Kick off 11h45

Sunday 21st March 2010

Ajax CT U11 & U15 Teams play in the Kensington Tournament

Monday 22nd March 2010

Ajax CT U17 vs FC Valencia U19 at Ikamva @ Kick off 18h30

Scotts seals win in extra time

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:58:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the Telkom Knockout with a 1-0 win over Moroka Swallows at the Newlands Stadium on Sunday 14 March 2010.

Swallows did much of the early running in the opening minutes of the game but it was Ajax Cape Town who almost scored within the opening fifteen minutes.

The Swallows defence held firm against the Ajax attack forcing the home team to shoot from range. Ajax had an early penalty appeal turned down. Ajax created many chances via Paulse, Selolwane, Diallo, Scott and Lewis who all had their goal attempts saved or fly past the post.

The Swallows keeper was the busier of the two and he kept the visitors in the game.

Swallows also had their chances but poor finishing cost them the game. Khumalo wasted a good opportunity in the 55th minute but his shot flew high and wide.

Leonard fired at goal from 12 metres but Vonk was alert to the danger and made the save.

Late in the second half, Vonk pulled off what can considered to be the save of the game when his closed down Mbesuma to make a superb save, after the Swallows striker beat the off-side trap to face the Ajax keeper in a one-on-one situation.

The Ajax offensive gained momentum with Clayton Daniels rose above the Swallows defence only see his first header brush over the top of the cross-bar, his second crashed against the cross-bar.

Ivanovs saw his shot cleared off the goal-line after the Swallows defence failed to clear to danger from an Ajax corner.

Sameehg Doutie who came on for Diallo, struck a fine volley from just outside the penalty area, but Mathibe was alert and made a fine save, pushing the ball past the far upright.

The game swung from end to end as both sides searched for a winner in extra time.

Shivambu was denied by Vonk who dived at the strikers feet to make the save,

With time winding down, Ajax countered down their right with Maluleke, Allie and Doutie linking up to take the ball forward.

Doutie found space on the right and swung in a precise cross to the feet of an unmarked Granwald Scott who placed his shot into the bottom far corner of the Swallows goal, to trigger the start of the celebrations amongst the Ajax fans.

Ajax Cape Town will know as to who their next opponents will be on Monday 22 March 2010 when the draw for the next round is made.

Clayton Daniels won the Man of the Match Award for his superb defensive display. His prize includes donating a football kit to the school of his choice.

Golf Park welcomes Ajax Cape Town

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:42:00 +0200

The Urban Warriors took time out of their busy training schedule today to meet and greet the staff of MTN offices in Golf Park, Pinelands.

The players were greeted by enthusiastic MTN staff and were led to the area designated for the signing session and once they were seated the players proceed to sign posters, calendars, shirts, caps or any item the MTN staff deemed fit for the occasion.

The Ajax players also posed with their fans for photographs before the signing session ended.

Before the Ajax players prepared to leave they signed a MTN Africa United shirt for their title sponsor MTN.

(Highlight of the visit) www.youtube.com/watch

Home game gives Ajax the edge

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:39:00 +0200

The current Telkom Knockout champions Ajax Cape Town, begins their defence of their trophy with a tough game against Moroka Swallows at Newlands Stadium on Sunday 14 March 2010. The game starts at 15h00.

Preparations for the game have gone well, however the loss of Thulani Serero and Lance Davids to the national team for their training camp in Brazil has forced the Ajax Cape Town technical team to make contingency plans.

Foppe de Haan the Ajax coach said, “We will miss the services of Lance and Thulani but this is a chance of any one of the fringe players to stake a claim for a place in the starting line-up.

Lance in particular, has been in good form because he found the back of the net regularly in his last couple of games. He is a free-kick specialist and we will miss his tenacity in midfield.

Thulani is very special player in our team. He has a free role behind the strikers and he exploited the space behind our strike-force very well. He has the ability to make things happen and can change the game with a moment of brilliance.

So we tried different permutations at training to ensure that their absence do not affect our game plan for Swallows.

The team understands what I expect from them and I like what I see on the field of play in our last couple of games.

Defensively we have improved and our midfield is holding onto the ball for longer periods of time to give our offensive some continuity. We are creating chances in front of goal but we miss far too many scoring opportunities.

So as you saw today, we have worked on this area and I believe we will make it to the next round. I believe that it is important to play for as long as possible in this tournament for the players to maintain their confidence and competitive edge.

In the long run it will also assist in preparations for the next cup tournament at the end of the season.”

The two teams playing at Newlands Stadium on Sunday are evenly matched, each winning three of the last six games, however Ajax have the home advantage this could be the deciding factor.

As the Foppe de Haan said, “The game has to be played on the field, from the first whistle it’s all up to the players and their will to win.”

Open trials in Langa Stadium

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:46:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town will holding Trials for all young future football stars.

Date: Friday 12 March 2010
Venue: Langa Stadium, Langa

Age: Players born 1996/1997
Time: 15h00 sharp

Age: Players born 1998/1999
Time: 16h30 sharp

All trialist are requested to bring their own
kit, boots, towel and their Birth Certificate or ID book.

For more information contact:- John Rowley at (021 930 6001)

Foppe de Haan agrees to new deal

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:52:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce that their head coach, Foppe de Haan has agreed to extend his contract.

There has been much speculation about the future of the Ajax Cape Town head coach however George Comitis the Ajax CEO said, “ W e have reached an agreement with Foppe de Haan to extend his contract another year.

The coach has expressed his desire to stay at Ajax Cape Town and we feel that is important to maintain the continuity of the work done with the team after the instability caused by changes in this department during the 2009/2010 season.

We have seen a marked improvement on and off the field of play and we are confident that our team will be competing at a higher level next season.”

Ajax joins forces with Good Hope FM and NSFAS

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:03:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town joined forces with Good Hope FM and NSFAS in an initiative aimed at providing High School learners financial assistance to study further, and to make them aware of job opportunities that are available in the market.

The road shows took place at four different venues across the Western Cape, every Friday between 12 and 3pm.

The road shows took place on 5th February 2010 at Fezeka High School Guguletu, 12th February 2010 at Oliver Tambo High School, Khayelitsha with Intlanganiso and Luhlaza High Schools, 19th February 2010 at Westridge High School and finally on the 26th February 2010 at Heideveld High School.

At each of the road shows Good Hope FM performed a live broadcast from the selected school with each role player giving a presentation.

NSFAS (The National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is an SA Government-funded loan & bursary scheme that offers loans at low interest rates with reasonable repayment plans.

The Scheme is available to all SA citizens’ studying for their 1st higher education qualification at a public higher education institution in SA.

In return the learner must be able to demonstrate potential for academic success based on exam results. They must also be in need of financial assistance as determined by the National Means Test.

The University of the Western Cape was also in attendance to inform the learners of the courses that they have to offer and the qualification needed to be accepted at the institute.

Ajax Cape Town lead by PRO Shooz Mekuto and the Community Coaching team set up a station at each event enabling the learners to register themselves in the Ajax data base and in return receiving an Ajax goodie bag.

They were also afforded the opportunity of asking questions to the team regarding any career paths in the soccer field.

The highlight of each event was the arrival of the Ajax players who performed a signing session for an hour. They signed posters, school shirts, and even body parts. Their reception at each event was heart-warming.

The Road Shows proved to be a great success. It showed the learners that their dreams can become a reality.

Do not say NO to further education due to financial constraints as assistance can be provided. Don’t wait till the last minute.

PLAN AHEAD!

YOUTH UPDATE 08 March 2010

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:22:00 +0200

As the start of the pre-season tournaments draw near the Ajax Cape Town youth preparations is in full swing to ensure that the Young Warriors are well prepared to face the challenges ahead.

To prepare for the pre-season tournaments the Young Warriors have being playing friendlies against local opposition to fine tune their game plans.

This past weekend the Ajax youth teams played against Vasco da Gama and achieved a mixed bag of results.

All the games were played in a good spirit and the teams acquitted themselves well.

The Ajax Cape Town U19 team finished their Vodacom League season against Milano last week and now they are enjoying a small break before the start preparing for the Metropolitan Premier Cup.

They are also scheduled to partake in an overseas trip in May 2010 as part of their annual international Ajax Cape Town U19 team tour.

Results from the weekend are as follows (Sat 06 March 2010)

Ajax Cape Town U11 beat Vasco U11 : 5 - 2
Ajax Cape Town U12 drew with Vasco U13 : 3 - 3
Ajax Cape Town U13 drew with Vasco U15 : 0 - 0
Ajax Cape Town U15 beat Vasco U17 : 1 - 0

Upcoming fixtures:

Saturday 13 March 2010 at Ikamva, kickoff from 10h00
Ajax Cape Town U11 vs Paarl Select XI
Ajax Cape Town U12 vs Paarl Select XI
Ajax Cape Town U13 vs Paarl Select XI
Ajax Cape Town U15 vs Paarl Select XI

Monday 15 March 2010 at Ikamva, kickoff at 18h30
Ajax Cape Town U17 vs U19 Paarl Select XI

Ajax fight back to draw

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:57:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town secured their place in the top eight when they drew 1-1 with Black Aces in the blistering heat of Wellington on Saturday afternoon.

The Urban Warriors almost took an early lead when Diyo Sibisi found space in the penalty area but his shot was saved by the Aces keeper. Ajax continued to attack however they could not penetrate the Aces defence.

The first goal of the game came in the 32nd minute when the match official adjudged Clayton Daniels to have brought down Mpho Maleka in the penalty area. Despite the protests of the Ajax players, Thomrick October stepped up and scored for Aces.

The Ajax coach was sent off after the fourth official reported him to the referee Buyile Gqubule.

However minutes later Lance Davids evened the score when his free-kick smashed through the wall into the bottom corner of the net.

The players started to feel the impact of the heat as the pace of the game slowed however Aces searched for the winning goal to assure their place in the PSL and Setjaba Mmuso of Aces almost found the target but Hans Vonk in the Ajax goal pulled off a great save.

Ajax finished the league campaign in 7th place equal on points with Swallows and Bloemfontein Celtic with goal difference the deciding factor.

Ajax Cape Town will now focus on defending their Telkom Knockout when they face Moroka Swallows on Sunday.

Foppe de Haan the Ajax coach said, “Although we did not get the win, I am happy with the players’ effort. Now we will shift our focus to the Telkom Knockout. The longer we play the better it is for my players and for next season.

We will want to play until the very last day of the season.”

We aim for three points - de Haan

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:05:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town has set their sights on maximum points when they face Mpumalanga Black Aces at the Boland Stadium on Saturday, 06 March 2010.

The battle lines are drawn as both teams need a win. Ajax needs a win to secure their top eight position and for Aces they need a win to secure their PSL status.

The pressure will be on Aces as they are just one point above Cosmos who are in last place on the PSL standings. Should Cosmos beat Swallows in their last game and Aces lose, then Black Aces will be in that dreaded automatic relegation position.

However Ajax Cape Town is in no mood to do any favours because they have Swallows breathing down their necks just two adrift, while Amazulu could overtake Swallows if they get their desired result.

Ajax Cape Town coach Foppe de Haan said, “We are aiming for three points on Saturday because then we finish in fifth position, a great way to end the season considering the challenges we faced along the way.

My players are committed to finishing this season with a win. They have worked hard during the break and since then the players are playing the kind of football that I like. They understand what is expected from their play and how I would like them to play the game.”

So the scene is set for an intriguing final day of the 2009 – 2010 season and the Urban Warriors will be looking to end this season on a high, to set the tone for the defence of their Telkom Knockout title starting next week.

Keeper Guru coaches locals

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:56:00 +0200

Ikamva welcomed Maarten Arts as well as a number of local top goalkeepers and goalkeeper coaches on Sunday.

Also in attendance were the Ajax goalkeepers Hans Vonk, Andre Petim and Carl Bauerrichter who assisted Maarten with the practical aspect of the course.

Before the coaches made their way onto the field they were lectured on the theory of goalkeeping by the world renowned goalkeeping guru Maarten Arts.

Amongst those attending were Brian van der Heever and Nigel Dixon, the goalkeeping coaches of Ajax Cape Town and Santos respectively.

More than twenty local coaches attended the course to enhance their knowledge of the specialist football position.

Maarten holds the highest Dutch coaching license (UEFA-A) and is a licensed Sports-Teacher who worked as the goalkeeping-Coach for FC Utrecht (for the last 11 seasons) at NEC; Fortuna Sittard and NAC football clubs.

He also works as a teacher for GK-Coaches-courses for the Austrian and German Football Association and has an exclusive contract with the Mexican Football Association.

Maarten has his own Uhlsport-Pro Goal-goalkeeping camps all over the world in countries like Hong Kong; Norway; Germany; U.S.A.

In these camps he worked with among others Toni Schumacher; Hans van Breukelen; Oliver Kahn, and Jens Lehmann.

A high percentage of Dutch keepers under Maarten’s guidance represented their national team, a testament to his ability and coaching philosophy.

Ajax appoints Youth Coach

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:33:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce that they have appointed David Nyathi as a coach in their Youth Academy.

David will coach the Ajax Cape Town U12 team.

The Ajax CEO George Comitis said, “David is an experienced ex-professional player. Having represented South Africa 45 times, Davids brings a wealth of experience and his appointment will benefit our young players.

It’s not often an ex-player and coach of his calibre is available and we are sure that he will be an asset to the club.”

David was a star player during his days playing professional football. He played Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town Spurs before moving to the lucrative overseas football market.

During his time at Cape Town Spurs he won two league titles amongst other awards.

David also played for Tenerife (Canary Islands), FC St. Gallen (Switzerland), Cagliari(Sardinia, Italy), and Ankaragücü (Turkey).

He was included in the South Africa national football team that travelled to France for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Champs draw Swallows in Telkom Knockout

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:35:00 +0200

The Telkom Knockout 2010 was launched at a function in Johannesburg on Monday 01 March, 2010 and a number of appealing games was drawn out of the hat.

The reigning champions, Ajax Cape Town was drawn to play against Moroka Swallows and a delighted Ajax coach Foppe de Haan found the challenge to his liking.

Foppe said, “I believe we got a good draw from the hat. We do believe that Moroka Swallows will give us good motivation to defend our title.”

Brett Evans the Ajax captain said, “They are a quality opposition and I believe that we can overcome this difficult first hurdle. We played well against Swallows on each occasion this season and defensive errors cost us the game, however cup games are different and we have proved ourselves capable of going all the way.

Playing at home in the opening round is motivating for our players as the fans will be the 12th player like they were at the final last season, concluded Evans.”

The game is scheduled for Sunday March 14, 2010 at Newlands Stadium. The game starts at 15h00.

The rest of the draw is as follows;

Orlando Pirates vs Bloemfontein Celtic.
Santos vs Kaizer Chiefs
Free State Stars vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Mpumalanga Black Aces vs SuperSport United
Bidvest Wits vs Jomo Cosmos
AmaZulu vs Maritzburg United
Golden Arrows vs Platinum Stars.

Urban Warriors invade CPUT

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:07:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town invaded the campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology on Monday to participate in the CPUT “Football frenzy Fun and Market Day” to commemorate the start of the 100 days before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign.

The campus rocked to the sound of Freshlyground, who worked their audience into a frenzy on a hot Cape summers day as the Ajax Cape Town players arrived on campus to join their title sponsor MTN celebrate the “Football frenzy Fun and Market Day”.

The whole campus participated in the celebrations, a variety of stalls offered an assortment of fast-food, hand-made products like jewellery and t-shirts, plants and soccer souvenirs.

Also activated was the MTN football zone where students could enjoy football related computer games, an inflated goal area and the MTN gig-rig.

The Ajax players congregated at the MTN gig-rig and soon the attracted a posse of students who requested photo’s and autographs with their hero’s, then they made their way to one of the soccer souvenir stalls on the podium of the entrance hall.

A huge group of students and CPUT staff milled around collecting autographs, photo’s and collected Ajax marketing material like the Ajax Cape Town 2010 calendar and Ajax player cards.

Despite the heat, the crowd grew and when the marketing material ran-out, the fans evolved their request for signatures onto their MTN AYOBA caps, t-shirts, mini skirts and various body parts.

All was done in a great spirit and this exercise went a long way to inspire the students to get behind South African football.

Ajax Youth Update 28 February 2010

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:02:00 +0200

Another week has passed and preparations ahead of the new season are in full swing at Ikamva.

On Saturday the Ajax Cape Town U11, U12, U13 and U15 teams hosted Evertonians FC and the team from Grassy Park acquitted themselves quite well.

Evertonians FC was only established in 2007 and they assemble their players from the Cape Flats towns of Lavender Hill, Steenberg, Squarehill, Retreat and Grassy Park.

Once again the score-lines were of no consequence because the Ajax Cape Town youth coaches are more determined to work at the finer elements of the Urban Warriors game-plan. Yes, goals were scored and in some case by both sides, however the visiting never gave up and kept playing until the final whistle.

A visiting coach said, “I told my boys that this was a learning curve for them. Playing against top opposition enables our coaches to identify the areas we need to work on. After the game our players understood what I meant and they enjoyed playing here today despite losing all our games.”

The new season is just around the corner and Ajax Cape Town’s youth teams are invited to play in a number of tournaments this year.

The possible tournaments are; the Kensington FC U11 tournament, the Strandfontein FC U15 tournament, and the Metropolitan U19 Premier Cup to name a few.

Its not only local tournaments on the horizon but international tournaments too, so watch this space for further news on the upcoming tournaments where the Ajax Cape Town Youth Academy teams will be participating.

Dhani plays at Ikamva

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:39:00 +0200

The 2010 South African World Cup is attracting a host of diverse media to the southern point of the African continent and it came as a great surprise when the producers of the “Dhani Tackles the Globe” reality program requested to shoot the next episode of their program about South Africa at Ikamva, the home of Ajax Cape Town.

Dhani (pronounced Da ha nee) Jones is a NFL Linebacker who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals and his reality TV series “Dhani Tackles the Globe” is broadcast across the USA and Europe on the travel channel.

The series follows Dhani across the world to experience different cultures and the lifestyles of local athletes.

The technical crew of “Dhani tackles the Globe” left New York on Friday 19 February and after a long flight they touched down in Cape Town on Saturday 20 February at 13h10 and before they unpacked their bags, they set off for the well known Bo-Kaap and V&A Waterfront to shoot the sights and sounds of the Mother City.

Dhani enjoyed climbing Lions Head, visiting a local wine estate, a trip to Robben Island, Boulders Beach, a wild life park and a helicopter ride to get an aerial view of Cape Town. The fickle Cape Weather forced Dhani to cancel his Shark Cage diving experience when the notorious Cape South Easter raced through the Western Cape at 35 knots.

The real reason of the trip to Cape Town was to enable Dhani to learn the game of football and he chose a youth academy known for producing high quality young football players who have set the local and international football league alight.

Dhani arrived late for his first training session after the crew misjudged local traffic conditions. After a dressing down by his coach, Maarten Stekelenburg the new Ajax rookie joined his team mates for the pre-training warm-up session.

The training sessions increased in intensity as match day drew closer. A local team was invited to play against Ajax Cape Town. Dhani joined his Ajax team mates in the dressing room to kit up for the game and for the pre-match talk from coach Stekelenburg.

Jones was selected as a striker and donned the Ajax No.9 jersey. His forays in the opposition penalty area troubled the opposition defenders.

In the second half Dhani chose to play as the goalkeeper and he did quite well, on one occasion he intercepted a vital cross into the penalty area and set-up an counter attack with a quick throw-in.

Not bad for a keeper who spent one day training with the Ajax Cape Town goalkeeper coach, Brian van der Heever and 15 minutes in the company of the U19 Ajax goalkeeper.

Just before the final whistle Ajax were awarded a penalty and Dhani stepped up to take the spot kick. With his coach shouting for him to keep his shot low, Dhani promptly dispatched his shot into the bottom left hand corner of the opposition net to give Ajax a well earned victory.

It was not all business for Dhani and the crew; they showed their “softer side” when they donated football equipment to some underprivileged children in KTC, Nyanga.

To see more of Dhani Jones and his expliots got to http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Dhani_Jones.

Congratulations Supersport Utd

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:51:00 +0200

The Management, Players and the Staff of Ajax Cape Town would like to congratulate Gavin Hunt and his Supersport United team for winning their third successive ABSA Premiership League title.

Well Done!

Serero and Davids selected

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:48:00 +0200

Lance Davids and Thulani Serero were named in the Bafana Bafana squad to play against Namibia at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban/Ethekwini on Wednesday, 3 March. 2010.

The Kick off is at 20h30.

Serero and Davids have performed well for the Urban Warriors all season and their call-up comes as no surprise to the club.

Shooz Mekuto the Ajax Cape Town PRO said, “We are very proud that as a club we can contribute to building a strong Bafana team ahead of the 2010 South African World Cup.

They have the full support of our technical team, players and the Ajax Cape Town management.

We wish them all the best for the game against Nambia and we hope they make the final Bafana Bafana squad for the 2010 World Cup.”
The full Bafana Bafana 22-man squad to play an international friendly against Namibia next week Wednesday in Durban is;

GOALKEEPERS
Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Emille Baron (SuperSport United)

DEFENDERS
Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates), Bevan Fransman (Maccabi Netanya, Israel), Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk, Belgium), Siyabonga Sangweni, Mzuvukile Tom (both Golden Arrows), Siyanda Xulu (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bradley Carnell (FC Hansa Rostock, Germany), Morgan Gould (SuperSport United), Bryce Moon (PAOK, Greece).

MIDFIELDERS
Tlou Segolela (Bloemfontein Celtic), Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town), Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows), Daine Klate (SuperSport United), Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala (both Chiefs), Andile Jali, Teko Modise (both Orlando Pirates), Lebohang Mokoena (Sundowns).

STRIKERS
Katlego Mphela (Sundowns) and Thulani Serero (Ajax Cape Town)

Youth trials in Khayelitsha

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:05:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town will be hosting youth trials at the Khayelitsha Stadium on Friday 26 February 2010.

Details are as follows;

Date: Friday 26 February 2010
Venue: Khayelitsha Stadium, Khayelitsha

Age: Players born 1998/1999
Time: 15h00 sharp

Age: Players born 1996/1997
Time: 16h30 sharp

All trialist are requested to bring their own
kit, boots, towel and their Birth Certificate or ID book.

For more information contact:- John Rowley at (021 930 6001)

Ajax held by Arrows

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:25:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town earned a hard fought point in Durban on Wednesday night when they drew 1-1 with Golden Arrows at the Chatsworth Stadium.

The Urban Warriors, with their offensive game-plan, looked more likely to score and they did but at the wrong end when Nazeer Allie scored an own goal on the stroke of half time.

Ajax started the second half with more purpose and was rewarded when Nathan Paulse and Geoge Maluleke combined well to set up Dipsy Selolwane who scored the equalizer.

Ajax could have taken the lead in the 66th minute but Paulse’s header flew just wide, minutes later Paulse’s header was on target but the Arrows keeper reacted well to make a save.

The point sees Ajax Cape Town climb to 41points, in seventh position but tied with Celtic who occupy 6th position because of a better goal difference.

Scott fights back

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:42:00 +0200

Its all systems go for the game against Golden Arrows tomorrow night and the return of six players has put a spring in the step of the Ajax Cape Town head coach, Foppe de Haan.

When Franklin Cale moved to Sundowns, the club looked to Granwald Scott to fill the position on the left wing/midfield position and the player did not disappoint. Although he is not in the same mould as Cale, Scott brings a different dimension to the Ajax game plan with his vision and teamwork.

Scott fought his way back into the team after Cale’s departure and then an ankle injury put paid to an extended run in the starting line-up. He missed the last two games and is on the cusp of making a return to the squad.

Shooz Mekuto the Ajax PRO said, “The Ajax Medical team has worked wonders to get our injured players back in training and only Brett Evans is not in full training. Early last week Granwald started full training and he is getting back to his best, fast and all indications are that he is ready to play.

His return could not have come at a better time because we need maximum points from our remaining games then we begin our assault on the cup competitions."

Ajax Cape Town Youth Update

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:56:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town Youth Update

The Ajax Cape Town U19 team traveled to Knysna to play Knysna Bafana on Friday night.

The trip was arduous as the hot weather made the long trip even longer. The team went down 1-0 to the home side however they acquitted themselves well.

The remainder of the Youth teams at the Ajax Cape Town Youth Academy fared well in their per-season friendlies.

All the Ajax youth teams played against Kenpark and scored an average of eight goals per game.

The results at this stage of the year is not that important but the manner in which the Ajax youth teams played the game is of more interest to the Ajax Cape Town youth coaches.

The full list of results/fixtures is as follows.

Vodacom League result
Ajax Cape Town 0 vs Knysna Bafana 1

Youth results:

Ajax Cape Town U11 team beat Kenpark : 10 - 0

Ajax Cape Town U12 team beat Kenpark : 11 – 0

Ajax Cape Town U13 team beat Kenpark : 10 - 0

Ajax Cape Town U15 team beat Kenpark: 10 – 0

Ajax Cape Town U17 team beat Kenpark: 4 – 0

The fixtures for Saturday 27 February 2010 at Ikamva are:

Ajax Cape Town U11 vs Evertonians at 9h30

Ajax Cape Town U12 vs Langa Utd at 10h45

Ajax Cape Town U13 vs Evertonians at 10h45

Ajax Cape Town U15 vs Evertonians at 12h00

Vodacom League fixture;
Ajax Cape Town U19’s vs Milano at 15h00

Ajax squad boosted for Arrows game

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:30:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town are chasing the pack to secure a top eight position in the PSL and six points up from the remaining two games could put the Urban Warriors amongst the top four.

The “Urban Warriors” travel to Durban for a tough encounter against Golden Arrows and the Cape based side will be keen to repay the 6-0 drubbing at the hands of “Abafana Bes’thende” in the MTN8 final.

A resurgent Ajax Cape Town make the trip to Durban boosted by a least seven players returning to the squad after serving suspensions or recovered from injuries.

The return of Hlatshwayo and Decamps is most anticipated as this will restore “normality to the defensive line of the Urban Warriors. The technical team at Ikamva had to shuffle players from other positions to fill in for those who were missing.

Nazeer Allie did well in the centre-back position and George Maluleke surprised many with his ability to counter from right back but the return of Hlatshwayo and Decamps will give the Ajax backline a more solid look releasing Maluleke to run at the opposition defenders in tandem with Doutie, Serero and Scott.

The return of Scott is particularly of interest as the young man has showed improved performances across the Ajax frontline. His vision and final ball to the frontrunners is what was missing from the Urban Warriors side in the last two games and his return can invigorate the Ajax offensive..

Foppe de Haan is presented with a selection headache of note as the returning players all seek to impress in training for a place in the starting line-up.

Now it’s time to focus on Golden Arrows and Ajax Cape town is aware that they have a battle on their hands, however with a squad boosted by the likes of Shabalala, Scott, Hlatshwayo, Fofana, and Ngobeni, the “Urban Warriors” are keen to return with three points under their belt.

Ajax Community Scheme rolls on

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:10:00 +0200

The Community Scheme has now completed programs to 120 primary schools from all over the Western Cape, having direct contact to in excess of 5000 kids.

Riyaad Khan, The Coordinator of the Ajax Community Scheme said, “Although this is quite an impressive statistic in itself, it is not only quantity but quality that we at Ajax Cape Town strive for.

It is for this reason that we have decided not to increase the numbers of schools we attend but to rather re-visit the schools in our data base ensuring that the love and enthusiasm that we have built within each school is sustained.

This does not mean that we will not get to those schools we have not yet visited; as the number of coaches working within our system continues to increase we will be able to increase the number of schools too.

We have just kicked off with our schools programs for 2010 and we are currently active in 27 schools through our Kick ‘n Learn and Urban Soccer programs.

We will be busy at the schools for the next six weeks visiting them once a week for a one hour slot.

Below is a list of the schools we are active at for the next six week cycle. ”

Kick ‘n Learn
Intshinga Prim(Gugs)  Imbasa Prim(Cross Road)  Athwood Prim(Han.P)
Lwazi Prim(Gugs)  Sigcawu Prim(Cross Road) Parkfield Prim(Han.P)
Masivuke Prim(Philippi)  Sikelela Prim(Cross Road) Bloemvlei Prim(Han.P)
Bhongolethu Prim(Philippi) Vukani Prim(Cross Road)  Newfields Prim(Han.P)

Sonderend Prim(Manen)  Hlengisa Prim(Nyanga)  Bridgeville Prim(Athl)
Silverstream(Manen)  Qingqa Prim(Cross Road)  Protea Prim(Bonte)
Edendale(Manen)   John Pama(Nyanga)  Cypress Prim(Athl)
Rio Grand(Manen)  Walter Teka(Nyanga)  Central Park Prim(Bont)

Urban Soccer
Nomlinganiselo Prim (Nyanga) St.Mary Prim (Nyanga) Liwa Prim (Nyanga)

Ajax youth in training

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:29:00 +0200

The Ajax Cape Town Youth Academy is abuzz with excitement as the players return for a new season.

On arrival the youth players was greeted by familiar staff, friends and some new faces as the new recruits get familiar with their new surroundings. The new arrivals made the grade through a number of trials and training sessions during the holidays.

Maarten Stekelenburg, the Head of Youth at Ajax Cape Town is looking forward to the new season as the number of tournament invitations hit his desk. A trip to an international U19-Football Tournament in Altstätten, Switzerland is already on the cards as well as participation in the Strandfontein and Metropolitan Premier Cup tournaments.

Training is taking place daily as the players gear up for 2010.

The Ajax Cape Town youth teams have fared well in pre-season friendlies as they look to improved performances in league and tournament games this year.

Ajax Cape Town always pride themselves at the quality of players in their Youth Academy. At the moment their are 17 Ajax Youth Academy players the the Ajax PSL squad and this year it will be no different as the stars of tommorrow pull on the RED and WHITE of the “Urban Warriors“.

We getting better - de Haan

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:56:00 +0200

Foppe de Haan, the Ajax Cape Town coach was a happy man after 90 minutes of tense football against Jomo Cosmos at the Athlone Stadium last night.
T
he Ajax coach could have not asked for a better performance from his players especially when he had only 16 players to choose his first eleven from. Most of the players available were youngsters compared to the opposition but they showed their mettle against a team known for their hard-nosed football.

It was the kind of football that Ajax played on the night that impressed their coach. Fast paced, flowing, offensive and intelligent are all the words the coached used in the post-match press conference.

De Haan said, “This is the kind of performance that I like to see from my teams, but the final ball into the box needs to be much better.

I don’t like to loose and I did not come to Cape Town to loose. The results since I have been here have not always been in our favour but we are getting better.

There are some talented youngsters at Ikamva but they need to be more focused and work harder at their game if they want to make it at the highest level, concluded de Haan. ”

Ajax edge Cosmos 1-0

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:41:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town edged Jomo Cosmos 1-0 in a hard fought game at the Athlone Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Urban Warriors played with purpose and soon had Avril Phali in action when he had to make saves from Selolwane, Paulse and Davids.

Davids and Selowane worked well together in an Ajax midfield devoid of the talents of Shabalala and Ngobeni. These two combined well with the Ajax front runners as they kept the Cosmos defenders busy all night.

The Ajax players endured some tough tackles from the Cosmos team and they had a penalty appeal turned down when Paulse was brought down in the penalty area with a rough tackle from behind but the match official waved play-on.

Serero and Davids were at the forefront of the Ajax offensive with both players almost getting their names on the scoresheet.

Davids in particular came close twice, his first effort was tipped over the bar by the Cosmos keeper and his second came at the end of a great solo run through a maze of Cosmos players but Phali again made a fine save.

Cosmos players resorted to tough tackling as they tried to stem the Ajax attack resulting in number of yellow cards as their players were booked. Tshilo, Sono, Shitolo and Moloto of Cosmos all had their names in the referee’s book.

The Ajax offensive continued throughout the game and it came as no surprise when Dipsy Selolwane broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute of the game with a low drive into the opposite corner of the net.

The Cosmos keeper was the busier of the two keepers on the night and the winning margin could have been greater if Phali had not performed so well, earning him the Man of the Match award.

Cosmos fought back in the closing minutes but they could not breach the Ajax defence.

Selection poser for de Haan

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:41:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town plays one of their most important games in their short history when they face Jomo Cosmos at the Athlone Stadium on Tuesday 16 February 2010, starting at 19h30.

For Ajax they are fighting to cement their place in the top eight while for Cosmos they are fighting relegation and desperate for a win.

Suspensions and injuries have taken their toll on the Urban Warriors causing a major selection ahead of this game. The Ajax Cape Town squad of 23 has been whittled down to 15, suspensions ruled out Clifford Ngobeni, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Clayton Daniels and Nhlanhla Shabalala and injuries have claimed Brett Evans, Mohammed Diallo, Derek Dechamps and Granwald Scott.

Foppe de Haan the Ajax coach said, “It’s not too difficult to choose the starting eleven because we only have to 15 fit players to choose from.

We will need to start with a makeshift defence however I believe that the players selected will do the job for us. Nazeer did well at centre-back for us against Santos in the Soccer Festival so he will start alongside Deniss Dechamps.

Brett Evans is recovering well but it’s too soon to rush him back into action. Evans has started jogging however Aiden has done quite well at left back and will retain his place.

We need leaders on the field someone in the middle of the park and in the front. Hans is the captain however he plays in goals and is not at the thick of the action. Lance Davids is one such player and Nathan Paulse is another.

We did not play badly against Sundowns and Swallows but we made silly mistakes in defence to concede goals.

Unfortunately we only won one in three games and with only three games left, we need to win our remaining games. Tomorrow we need to play a good game, it’s important for the club and for the players,” concluded de Haan.

Ajax replicas on sale at Ikamva

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:52:00 +0200

Ajax replicas have now being reduced from R399.00 to R239.95 while stocks last. So get down to your Ajax Fan Store and support the Urban Warriors today.

Also, youth replicas are on sale. They have been reduced from R299.00 to R179.95.

Pre-seaon wins for Ajax youth

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:54:00 +0200

The pre-season performances of the Ajax Cape Town Youth Academy got off to a good start at the weekend when Ajax Cape Town’s youth teams played a number of friendlies at Ikamva.

The young “Urban Warriors” flexed their potency by scoring 16 goals and conceding just one. The results were:

Ajax Cape Town U12 beat Peacelovers FC 2-1
Ajax Cape Town U13 beat Two for Joy FC 4-0
Ajax Cape Town U15 Peacelovers FC 10-0

The Ajax youth teams will play a number of friendlies before they participate in the usual pre-season tournaments before and over the Easter weekend.

“It’s still early days yet but if this is an indication of what’s to come for the season ahead then local fans are in for a treat when they come and watch the Ajax Cape Town’s youth teams play,” said Shooz the Ajax Cape Town PRO.

Not to be outdone by their younger counterparts, the Ajax Cape Town U19 team participating in the Vodacom League beat Maties 4-1 at Ikamva on Friday evening.

Lance Davids talks to ajaxct.com

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:40:00 +0200

Ajaxct.com spoke to Lance Davids…..here is the interview

Ajaxct.com: Congratulations, on winning the Man of the Match Award. Tell us about the game and take us through the build of your goal?

Lance: “After the long Christmas break the team played very well. This break was crucial for the team as it allowed us to train uninterrupted for a long period of time.

This was important for us but Platinum Stars made it difficult as they fought hard all the way, however we are happy to come away with the three points.

As for the goal, I got a lucky deflection and it flew into the net.”

Ajaxct.com: Winning the Man of the Match Award must have been special for you especially at the Athlone Stadium?

Lance: “You know we just returned from the Bafana training Camp and we worked very hard while we were there. It was important that Thulani and I did well against Stars today to show that we did not laze around in the hotel all day while in camp, that both of us scored is a bonus.

About the Man of the Match Award, it was a team effort and not a one-man-show because I could not have won this award without my team-mates. This is my first Man of the Match Award and its very special to me that I won it at the Athlone Stadium.”

Ajaxct.com: Unfortunately you got a yellow card during the game, that ruled you out of the Sundowns game because of the three-yellow card rule?

Lance: “It’s always disappointing to miss the big games in this manner. I am back to my old form, really fit and playing well, but I am sure that whoever takes my place will be up to the job.”

Ajaxct.com: A positive start for the team, what would be the ideal situation for the team come the end of the season?

Lance: “We would like to accumulate as much points as possible in order to consolidate our top eight position and/or to finish in the top four. We had six games remaining and 18 points to play for before this game. We have the first three points in the bank and we aiming for the 15 points still outstanding.”

Ajaxct.com: With the 2010 World Cup on the horizon, what is on the wish list of Lance Davids?

Lance: “Firstly I would like my team Ajax Cape Town, to do well on Sunday and to continue to pick up maximum points in the remaining games. My dream is to play in the 2010 World Cup. I will be training hard to give improved performances to make the Bafana World Cup squad.”

Ajax trials in Philippi on Friday 12 Feb 2010

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:19:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is hosting trials at the Vuyiseka Complex, Sheffield Road, Philippi for all young, future football stars.

The trials are part of a drive to search for another rough diamond in the mould of Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar, Franklin Cale, Thulani Serero or a Clifford Ngobeni.

Many of Ajax Cape Town’s Stars were plucked from the streets of townships across South Africa and groomed for the world’s football stage.

Shooz Mekuto, the Ajax Cape Town PRO said, “We are giving any child who attends these trials an equal opportunity to play for Ajax Cape Town.

Although some players are scouted and then invited to play for Ajax Cape Town, we are aware that at times the scouting network does not always find that special kid who plays outside of the football system.

We found Franklin Cale(Ocean View) when he played in friendly against Ajax Cape Town, Clifford Ngobeni was scouted from Robertsham, Johannesburg, Steven Pienaar from Westbury, Johannesburg and Benni from Hanover Park Cape Town.

Now we are looking for the next big star of South African football and if you feel you have what it takes, come on Friday 12 February, 2010 to Vuyiseka Complex, Sheffield Road, and Philippi.

See the details below

Age:          Players born 1998/1999
Date:           Friday 12 February 2010
Venue:        Vuyiseka Complex, Sheffield Road, Philippi
Time:        15h00 sharp

Age:          Players born 1996/1997
Date:        Friday 12 February 2010
Venue:     Vuyiseka Complex, Sheffield Road, Philippi
Time:        16h30 sharp

All trialist are requested to bring their own
kit, boots, towel and their Birth Certificate or ID documentation.

The Ticket Ride Foundation, Masiphumelele, Cape Town

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:35:00 +0200

In May of 2009, Tim Conibear completed his final trip as a tour leader for Ticket to Ride Worldwide Surf Adventures, running Gap Year and Career Breaker surf tours throughout South Africa and Mozambique. After three years of travel in South Africa, and after meeting some wonderful people from various communities, he decided it was time to settle and to help some of the people who have welcomed him as a friend over his time here.

Tim chose Cape Town, where he had established firm links with Mthandazo (Thomas), a local to the Masiphumelele township, who runs informal football sessions for the children of his street. It’s always been his passion and desire to inspire and entertain the kids of his street through sport and he has done so on a small scale, and on a voluntary basis, for several years. Thomas is a role model to the young children of the township and he is a key figure in keeping them away from the temptations of township life that often embroil the young and adolescent during their downtime after school and often lead to a life of crime. He saw the need for after schools activities, for positive local role models away from the school environment, and he saw the effect even our small and occasional early sessions had on Thomas’ street.

Tim wanted to help Thomas expand his coaching sessions to incorporate more children, more local staff, more activities on a more regular basis, and to build in an educational angle in an area where many kids are deprived of proper schooling. Together they decided to put as much time into the project as possible with the aim of giving the kids something positive to do after school and providing the children with healthy local role models and a happy and friendly environment in which to express themselves.

From their modest beginnings in July 2009, when it was Tim, Thomas and 20 or so boys, they have now expanded and incorporate in excess of 100 boys, girls and young adults from across the Masi township. They now run football, surfing, swimming, netball and arts and crafts projects and have also recruited three new local staff in the form of Thobela, who runs senior football training for members ranging from ages 15-23, Clare who takes the girls for Arts and Crafts sessions and Pila who runs netball training.

This year, with the help of Thobela, they will operate as an official Football Club in the Cape Town Township league, giving the children and young adult’s regular competitive football on the weekends as well as potential to pursue their football dreams. Last week Friday they teamed up with Ajax Cape Town and ran a successful training session for 40 children. It was a wonderful occasion which bought a lot of hope to the kids and expanded their faith and confidence in what we are looking to achieve as a charity. As outreach projects go, it was wonderful to see the coaches investing their time and effort to bring smiles to every child’s face, ensuring they all went home happy. We hope to run another Hotspot in the future and are now on the look out for a similar scheme for the girls revolving around netball.

Swallows beat Ajax in Rustenberg

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:09:00 +0200

Moroka Swallows beat Ajax Cape Town 2-1 at Olympia Park, Rustenberg on Wednesday night.

Lance Davids returned from suspension for this game and his equasliser set up a thrilling finish, but a defensive error let Swallows in the last 30 minutes of the game.

Nomvete and Leonard scored for Swallows.

German Fitness Coach at Ikamva

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:36:00 +0200

Gavin Benjafield the Head of Medical at Ajax Cape Town spoke to www.ajaxct.com about the recent visit of world renowned fitness and conditioning expert Shad Forsythe (MS, ATC, CSCS) Fitness Coach for the German National Team and Performance Specialist at Athlete's Performance.

Gavin said, “Shad works for a company called Athletes Performance, who operates three performance centres in America. He has worked with Everton FC and Jurgen Klinsmann at L A Galaxy.

When Klinsmann was appointed as the coach of the German National team he brought in Shad Forsythe as the Fitness Coach for the German National Team and Performance Specialist Athlete's Performance.

Shad brought in new methods and six years later he is still employed as the fitness coach despite the fact that Klinsmann is no longer the coach of the German National team.

He arrived in Cape Town earlier last week ahead of the Rugby 10’s tournament to host a mentorship workshop. They were able to present the first two days of the five-day course here at Ajax Cape Town.

Craig von Weilligh and I attended the first two days and Shad is looking to come back later this year to present more workshops. Shad and “Athletes Performance” is trying to break out of the American market and they see Africa and South Africa as the perfect market to expand their work.

A large part of the presentation was about education on the latest techniques in dealing with the performance aspect of athletes. The modules covered were stamina, nutrition, strength and conditioning, etc.

The Ajax Cape Town medical department took part in this course to broaden their knowledge and the instruction was enabled the Ajax contingent to see the various new methods and broaden their knowledge on the subject.

We hoping to work with Shad and “Athletes Performance” in the future as this will enable Ajax Cape Town to stay at the forefront of the latest fitness and conditioning methods available,” concluded Gavin Benjafield.

RIP Zanu

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:33:00 +0200

Rozain “Zanu” Hendricks, a loyal Ajax Cape Town supporter passed away at his home last night after a long illness.

“Zanu” as he was known amongst all the Ajax Cape town supporters was the founder member of the Manenberg supporters club where he played an instrumental role in the establishment of the “Urban Warriors” coon troupe with Aslam Fortune.

Through their hard work the Coon Troupe grew from 500 to over a 1 000 members and won many awards since the troupe was established in 2009.

The family of Ajax Cape Town would like to extend their condolences to the family and the whole of Manenberg community will miss this true “Urban Warrior”.

Gladys Gailey the Chairwoman of the Westbury supporters club in Johannesburg said, “Thank you for being a true friend and a genuine Warrior. You were a one in a million friend who fought many battles with us. You spoke your mind and took me under your wing whenever I was in Cape Town.

Pity you slipped away without saying goodbye, but have gone to a better place. You always wanted the best for Ajax Cape Town, RIP.”

U17 Amajimbo call-up

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:58:00 +0200

Stanton Weir, the Ajax Cape Town U17 Player was selected for the U17 national team (Amajimbos) to play against Mozambique on 27 February 2010 in George.

SAFA acknowledged that they are aware that the camp takes place during an active school term but they are in the process of appointing tutors for the players to ensure that they are up to date with their academic studies.

Ajax lose to Downs

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:44:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town lost to Mamelodi Sundowns at the Athlone Stadium on Sunday afternoon. A goal by Lebohang Mokoena’s in the 51st minute proved to be key in this exciting encounter that kept the fans enthralled throughout the 90 minutes.

The decisive moment of the game came in the 27th minute of the game when Clayton Daniels was sent off for a high tackle, forcing the Urban Warriors to play with 10 men. Ajax suffered another blow in the first half when Derek Decamps was stretchered-off after he suffered a hamstring injury.

Despite playing most of the game with 10 men Ajax Cape held their own with both sides keeping possession for periods of time. There was action on both ends of the field , for Ajax Sibisi hit the side netting with an acute-angled shot and Sundowns appealed for a penalty when Htlashwayo tackled Pelembe, but their appeal fell on deaf ears as the match official waved play on.

Sundowns started the second half with more purpose as the took the game to Ajax. Vonk made a great save off a Nyandoro header but the Ajax keeper could little when Mokoena slipped the ball into the net to give Sundowns the lead.

Ajax fought back strongly when Granwald Scott forced Baloyi to make a save at his near post, then Moriri almost double the Sundowns lead but Vonk was alert and made a crucial save to keep Ajax in the game.

Ajax threw everything into their attack and the inclusion of substitute, Aboubacar Fofana rattled the Sundowns defence forcing them to concede late free-kicks just outside their penalty area.

It was from one of these free-kicks that George Maluleke floated the ball just wide of the far upright to the dismay of the Ajax fans.

This result sees Ajax Cape Town stay in sixth position ahead of their clash with Moroka Swallows on Wednesday evening at the Olympia Stadium.

We are ready - Foppe

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:16:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town plays Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday, 07 February 2010 at the Athlone Stadium. The game starts at 15h30 for this all ticket affair. Tickets will be available at Computicket outlets across the Western Cape.

By all indications this is a crucial game for both teams, for Ajax Cape Town a win will ensure that the Urban Warriors stay on track for a top five finish, for Sundowns a win will keep them in contention for the PSL title so both teams have it all to play for.

Foppe de Haan the Ajax coach said, “Earlier this week goals by Lance Davids and Thulani Serero secured Ajax a morale boosting win against Platinum Stars.

Unfortunately Lance is suspended for this game after he received a yellow card (his third) during the Stars game and Brett Evans is out because of a long term injury. Brett’s injury was worse than it was initially thought to be and he will be out for the rest of the season.

We thought that it would be better for Evans to heal slowly as a preventative measure against a relapse.

The return of Granwald Scott is welcomed as he is able to play a number of positions in our offensive game-plan. Clifford Ngobeni can also play in the central midfield role and so can Dipsy Selolwane and Nhlanhla Shabalala. So we have more than ample cover for Lance.

Finishing within the top five is our target and with five games remaining we have to fight for every point available.

The players trained hard during the break and I know that they are ready for this game,” concluded de Haan.

Ajax and Sundowns have met 21 times in the league since 1999/2000. The Urban Warriors won eight games to the Brazilians’ six, while seven matches have ended in a drawn result.

Local fans can expect an exciting game of attacking football as each team go in search for maximum points.

Hans Vonk retracts statement

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:40:00 +0200

Earlier this week Hans Vonk was interviewed by a local radio station about the game at the Athlone Stadium against Platinum Stars.

During the interview Hans was asked to compare the pitch at the Cape Town Stadium to that of the Athlone Stadium. His response was said to have reflected negatively on the state of the Athlone pitch yet that was never the Ajax captain’s intention.

Hans Vonk and Ajax Cape Town would like to apologise to the City of Cape Town and the staff of the Athlone Stadium about the misunderstanding created by his response and Hans would like to retract the statement unreservedly.

“We are happy to play at our home ground, the Athlone Stadium,” said Hans Vonk.

Cape Town hosts Ajax Amsterdam Directors

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:55:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town hosted two Directors of Ajax Amsterdam earlier this week. Henri Van der Aat and Rik van den Boog arrived in Cape Town for a meeting of the board at Ajax Cape Town.

Henri Van der Aat serves as Chief Commercial Officer of AFC Ajax Amsterdam since January 2009 and before that he served as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ajax Amsterdam.

Mr Van Der Aat was the CEO of Rabobank Wielerploeg and he also served on the board of the sport marketing agency Trefpunt Sports & Leisure Marketing before he took up the post at Ajax Amsterdam.

An avid sailor Henri coached the national Dutch sailing team. However football is never far from his heart and his responsibilities within Ajax Amsterdam include sponsorship, marketing and sales, merchandising, media as well as the commercial development of the club.

The second half of the Ajax Amsterdam representation was Mr Rik van den Boog. Rik is the Director-General of Ajax Amsterdam since 2008.

A product of the Ajax Amsterdam Youth Academy his football career was cut short by an injury while he was playing for the Ajax second team.

He graduated with a degree in mathematics before he started to work for Xerox. His Career has seen him for many of the world’s major brands like Libertel and Vodafone.

Their visit to Cape town is in line with the annual board meeting of Ajax Cape Town of which Ajax Amsterdam is a shareholder.

Although the meeting took up most of the day, the pair had time to meet and greet the staff of Ajax Cape town and when they inspected the newly laid artificial pitch at Ikamva, the Directors of Amsterdam and Cape Town kicked off their formal shoes and held an impromptu football game of three vs two (Cape Town vs Amsterdam).

Mr Van der Aat and van den Boog, basked in the summer sunshine and hospitality of Cape Town before they departed for the freezing winter of Europe.

Ajax beat Stars

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:57:00 +0200

The Urban Warriors promised an improved performance ahead of this game and true to their word they delivered. Goals by Lance Davids and Thulani Serero sealed the three points on offer for Ajax Cape Town

The offensive approach by the home team was apparent from the first whistle when Nathan Paulse got to the Stars by-line in the first minute and whipped in a cross that had the visitors defence at sixes and sevens before the Stars keeper cleared the danger.

Ajax played attacking football by getting numbers into the opposition box and this game plan paid off. The first goal was scored in the 35th minute when a Lance Davids free-kick deflected off the Stars wall into the net.

Nathan Paulse was a constant threat to the visitors defence and he almost put his name on the score-sheet but his volley from close range flew wide.

The second half saw the teams playing attacking football much to the delight of the fans, but both sets of defence held firm.

Ajax increased the tempo of play and the goal-mouth action kept the fans on their toes. Diyo Sibisi’s effort on goal was blocked and Vonk denied Stars with some fine goalkeeping.

Dillon Sheppard and Mabizela came close for Stars. Vonk saved Sheppard’s effort and Mabizela’s header hit the cross-bar.

Vonk then plucked the ball from Grobler, making a point-blank save. The Urban Warriors continued to attack on the counter and Maluleke linked up with Paulse to make ground down the Stars left side.

Paulse passed to Serero in the six-yard box and the young South African international scored with an acrobatic shot that assured the Urban Warriors three points on the night.

Ajax take aim at Stars

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:22:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town returns to the Athlone Stadium in search of three points that will go a long way in revitalising their challenge for a top four finish and with Platinum Stars firmly in their sights, the Urban Warriors plan to outgun the visitors in their first league outing in 2010.

The Ajax Cape Town coach Foppe de Haan is optimistic about picking up three points against Platinum Stars. De Haan said, Our preparations have gone well despite persistent injuries to vital players in our squad that has kept them on the side-lines for long periods of this season.

Now we may miss the services of Granwald Scott for this game after he picked up a knock in training but we will wait on the advice of our medical team before making a final decision about his selection.

We have adequate replacements in Amigo Mamela, Sameehg Doutie and Cole Alexander so we are ready for this game and three points is our target, concluded de Haan.

Injuries have cost Ajax Cape Town dearly in their quest to stay amongst the top four. Ajax played against Santos in the Cape Town Soccer Challenge recently with a reshuffled back four.

George Maluleke slotted in at right-back, Nazeer Allie moved to centre-back with Clayton Daniels and guest player Lizo Myempu at left-back. They performed well under arduous circumstances and held their rivals at bay for 90 minutes even when they were reduced to 10 men after Daniels was red-carded and Shabalala took his place next to Allie to keep Erwin Isaacs and Graham King from hitting the target.

The determination and tenacity evident in the Soccer Challenge, is characteristic of the Urban Warriors and should they continue to perform with this gutsy resolve, then Stars are in for a tough evening on the job.

The return to fortress Athlone Stadium is another major factor and the support of player number twelve, the Ajax Cape Town fans is sure to motivate the Urban Warriors at this crucial juncture of their season.

Ajax back at Athlone Stadium

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:38:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town has secured the Athlone Stadium as a home venue for their remaining home league games.

After months of negotiation between the City of Cape Town and the club, the Urban Warriors secured fortress Athlone Stadium at a crucial point of their PSL season.

The past season has seen Ajax Cape Town playing their home games at three different venues and this could be a factor in their indifferent form. Shooz Mekuto the Ajax PRO said, Last season we were unbeatable at home when we played at one venue throughout the season and this factor contributed to the Urban Warriors finishing as runner-up in the league.

However, this season our form suffered as our home games moved from Athlone to Newlands and then the Boland Rugby Stadiums.

Now that we are back at the Athlone Stadium the players can play to their strengths considering their familiarity with the field. This Stadium seating allows for the fans to be seated nearer to the field and this factor will inspire our players as they hear the applause of their fans.

We are back at fortress Athlone and with six games remaining with 18 points on offer we plan to start 2010 with a bang as we go in hunt of three points to revitalise our season concluded Mekuto.

COMMUNITY COACHING COURSE: "TRAINING THE TRAINERS COURSE"

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:59:00 +0200

The Ajax Cape Town Community Scheme has a compliment of 4 full-time coaches and 70 part-time coaches. To ensure that there is a legacy of continuation, Ajax Cape Town through their partnership with Charlton Athletic, the Metropolitan Police of London, the South African Police Services, British Airways and the British High Commission conducted a “Training the Trainers Course” in Pretoria recently.

This initiative was to educate a number of coaches presently working with the community to become empowered with the tools that will enable them to return to their Community projects and be able to train more coaches to a level of competence that will enable them to go out and teach the children.

So in essence this will ensure that when the current group of coaches completed their modules within the schools they will leave behind a trained coach to ensure that the same level of training will be continued while the Ajax coaches move on to the next school.

This will ensure that the club will be able to teach more coaches and have a positive impact on more kids as the project continues to grow.

The “Training the Trainers Course” was conducted by Sean Daly and Matt Parish from Charlton Athletic at the University of Pretoria’s High Performance Centre in Pretoria.

The course ran from Monday 18th January till Friday 22nd January 2010 with about 30 coaches’ participating. These coaches had previously undertaken the level 1 course.

The compliment of coaches present was 10 from each city i.e. Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. The clubs representing their cities were Ajax Cape Town, Bidvest Wits, and Amazulu. The coaches were surprised to see some living legends such as Ashley Makhanya (Wits), Frank Makua (Kaizer Chiefs) and Botsotso Makhanya (Orlando Pirates) also present at the course.

Riyaad Khan the Ajax Cape Town Community Scheme coordinator said, “The “Training the Trainers Course” was extremely well presented with Sean Daly at his enthusiastic best. He provided all the participants with lots of new and innovative material. The difference between the courses was that we were taught how to teach coaches who in turn had to teach the kids.

The Ajax coaches were made up of the 4 full time Community Scheme coaches, 3 Police officers from Mitchells Plain, 1 Police officer from Khayelitsha, and two community members. Each participant was a credit to their club however the Ajax Cape Town coaches definitely set the bench-mark.

Unfortunately we lost one of our coach’s - Joseph Williams, on day two with a wrist injury. After a visit to a local hospital it was still unclear the extent of his injury so it was decided it best he return to Cape Town for further assessment.

At the end of the week we all did our assessments and passed with flying colours. There were two types of passes, either a tutor’s pass where you can perform a course on your own. The other was a co-tutor’s pass where you must be assisted by another colleague while presenting the different modules.

We managed to achieve 3 co-tutors and 6 tutors pass rate, an extremely impressive achievement.

We now look forward to conducting the Ajax Cape Town Community Scheme, where we can continue to set the trend in Ajax Cape Town’s Community upliftment projects, concluded Khan.

Last Year the Ajax Cape Town Community Scheme project was rolled-out in 120 schools with more than 8 000 children participating.

The next roll-out of the Ajax Cape Town Community Scheme will start in the first week of February 2010 when the community coaches return to schools in the Cape Flats, the Townships and the Cape Winelands areas.

Cape Town stadium hosts its first game

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:53:00 +0200

The new Cape Town Stadium played host to its first ever football game and the fans, dressed in colourful outfits, turned up in the numbers to support Ajax Cape Town and Santos.

They arrived early to take in the splendour new stadium and join the celebrations as Freshlyground performed ahead of the game.
A roar of vuvuzela’s greeted the Ajax Cape Town and Santos players as the entered the field for the first game ever at the new Cape Town Stadium.

The game started at a fast pace with Santos content to soak up the pressure while the Ajax game-plan was more offensive and this showed when the Urban Warriors won three corners in the opening minutes.

Ajax played a neat passing game and their defence was cohesive unit despite playing without a number of regulars like Derek Decamps, Deniss Ivanos and Brett Evans. The coach reshuffled the team and George Maluleke played at right back, Nazeer Allie at centre-back with Clayton Daniels

Also missing from the line-up were Lance Davids and Thulani Serero who were in the Bafana camp.

Despite the redesigned line-up, Ajax coped well with the pace of Erwin Isaacs and Graham King. In the opening quarter of the game, Isaacs almost broke the deadlock but the Ajax defenders blocked his goal-bound shot.

Granwald Scott and Nathan Paulse linked up well with the Ajax midfield as they probed for an opening in the Santos defence.

Just before halftime Clayton Daniels brought down Erwin Isaacs to earn his second yellow card and a subsequent red making him the first to be sent-off at the stadium.

Reduced to ten men, the Ajax coach dropped Paulse into the midfield and Shabalala next to Allie at centre-back.

Santos was more direct in the second-half but found the Ajax team tenacious and Vonk in great form. The Ajax keeper made a great save early in the second-half when Isaacs burst into the Ajax box but was foiled by Vonk in a one-on-one situation.

Then in the closing minutes of the game Musa Otiena almost scored with a looping header but Vonk stretched full length to make another great save.

The game went to a penalty shoot-out and Santos beat Ajax Cape Town (6-5) after Vonk and Shabalala missed their spot kicks.

Soccer Festival Sold Out

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:19:00 +0200

Its all systems go for the Cape Town Stadium Soccer festival and this historic occasion has been sold-out.

SAIL STADEFRANCE said from the first press interview that only 20 000 tickets will be available for the opening of the Cape Town Stadium when Ajax Cape town play Santos.

This is an all ticket affair but the organisers did not expect to put up sold-out signs 10 days before the event. In fact the demand for tickets in the week leading up to the event is such that the organisers could have easily sold another 20 000 tickets but because this is the first of three test events before the City hands-over the stadium to FIFA, only the first tier will be opened to assess the operating systems of the Cape Town Stadium.

Shooz Mekuto the Ajax Cape Town PRO said, We are not surprised by the demand for more tickets. Cape Town is fanatical about football and when Ajax and Santos faced each other in the ABSA Cup final in 2007, the Athlone Stadium was packed to the rafters. This just shows that the support for local football is as passionate as ever.

We looking forward to a great event and those spectators who have tickets for Saturday are in for a memorable of football and great entertainment provided by Freshlyground.

The gates open at 13h30 and we appeal to all ticket bearing spectators to arrive early to avoid a rush just before kick-off.

The City of Cape Town is providing a free shuttle service from the Civic Centre in Hertzog Boulevard to the stadium and back and all you need to do is present your match-day tickets.

A Helpline has been set up for those who require further information on the event and can be reached on 021 487 6800

Ajax Cape Town has releases Mkhanyiseli Siwahla

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:55:00 +0200

After a lengthy meeting with George Comitis the Ajax CEO, Mkhanyiseli Siwahla was released from his contract with Ajax Cape Town with immediate effect.

The player was on loan to Bloemfontein Celtic when off-the-field issues forced the Free State based to cancel his loan contract and “Makalakes” as he is known, returned to Cape Town to meet with his contracted employers.

Its was felt that in the best interest of the player’s future and the club, that Ajax Cape Town release the player as a free agent to allow Siwahla an opportunity to secure a speedy return to football action, said George Comitis the Ajax CEO.

Let the game begin

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:06:00 +0200

On January 13, 1999 Ajax Cape Town played against Ajax Amsterdam at the old Green Point Stadium making history as the world’s first satellite club, now ten years later the Urban Warriors are set to make history again when they run out onto the Cape Town Stadium turf to play local rivals Santos in the Cape Town Soccer festival, the first game in the new World Cup Stadium.

The countdown for the first game at the Cape Town Stadium has begun and the Ajax players are excited at the prospect of being the first team to play at the new Stadium. Brett Evans said, This is the first time I am able to view the Cape Town Stadium from the side of the field and it is truly magnificent. Playing here will certainly be a highlight for any professional player.

At a press conference held at the Cape Town Stadium earlier today Hans Vonk and Mogogi Gabonamong squared up as they faced the local press for interviews and a photo opportunity inside the stadium.
Today the captains of the two teams tossed-up a coin to decide who the home would be and Mogogi Gabonamong won the toss but Vonk was upbeat at getting a result on match-day.

So the scene is set for an exciting game of football between the Mother City’s top professional clubs and local fans will remember this day forever.

Gates open at 13h30 and great entertainment is lined-up for the fans before the 16h00 kick-off.

PSL Conditioning and Rehabilitation Trainer spoke to Ajax

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:20:00 +0200

Craig Von Wielligh the Ajax Cape Town PSL Conditioning and Rehabilitation Trainer spoke to ajaxct.com about what the program to prepare the Ajax players for the remainder of the season.

The current 2009/2010 PSL season has been drastically modified to accommodate the 2010 World Cup and to ensure that the Bafana technical team have enough time to prepare the South African national team

With teams playing at least twice a week to complete the scheduled fixtures, the planning and organization of our training schedules is of utmost importance therefore it has to be carefully set-out to ensure that the players perform at their best on match days.

The training volume and fatigue level of each player needs to be carefully monitored to ensure peak performance is possible and injuries are kept at a minimum.

The current fixture list doesn't allow time for the rehabilitation of players with injuries this season, so the period of January 2010 provides some respite for the medical team at Ikamva
.
There are no league fixtures due to Bafana Bafana’s camp, so the players can have a short and well needed break. The players with injuries have time to rehabilitate, recover without the stress and pressure of missing matches. This period also provides us the opportunity of having a “mini-preseason” where we can have regular conditioning sessions for the squad.

Our training program for the new year began in the first week of January. We started with the regular injury check-ups and monitored the fitness level of the players after the Christmas break.

The first week was quite a tough one for the guys to adjust to after the break, we have split the squad into 2 groups for the conditioning and core sessions The Head Coach, and his Technical staff, believes in the importance of conditioning our players and this can only benefit us in the long run.

Iraq trains at Ikamva

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:15:00 +0200

Iraq arrived at Ikamva amid a sea of local media for a training session ahead of their opening Conferations Cup game against Bafana, Bafana at the weekend.

Once again the venue of choice for visiting teams training sessions is Ikamva the home of Ajax Cape Town. This football facility hosted a number of visiting teams over the years and as the 2010 World Cup draws closer Ikamva could be the training venue of choice amongst the leading participating national football teams.

The Iraqi contingent was oblivious of the number of media present at their training session as they went about their business. The drills were quick and precise and each drill was carried out with the discipline of a well oiled machine. Bafana be forewarned this team means business.
Younis Mahmoud the Iraqi captain said. We are not worried about the local conditions especially the altitude we are here to win games and that’s what we are planning to do. There is a lot expected from our team especially after we won the Asian Cup. Winning our first game is very important as the result will set the tone for the rest of our campaign.

New era for Cape football

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:39:00 +0200

A new day has dawned in Cape Town with the launch of the Cape Town Soccer Festival that will be held at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday 23 January 2010, said George Comitis the CEO of Ajax Cape Town.

Ajax Cape Town is proud to participate in this historic occasion that will launch a new era of sports events to be held in Cape Town. With the 2010 World Cup on the horizon its only appropriate that a Cape Derby is named as the first event to launch Cape Town Stadium as a sports arena.

This is exciting times for Cape town football and we hope all football fans irrespective of their alliances will come out in their numbers to support the CAPE TOWN STADIUM SOCCER FESTIVAL.

The purpose of the inaugural event is to test the readiness of the stadium, its systems and processes, whish is part of the operating company's incremental readiness strategy, said Morne Du Plessis, the Executive Chair of the operating company SAIL STADEFRANCE.

As this is the first event we ask for the support of the local community and we will try to minimize the impact of any event held in this stadium on residents in the area. This is an exciting milestone for the City of Cape Town, soccer supporters and the community at large and we are proud to be associated with this event.

This event will be more than a football game as there will be participation from local musicians and artists. We intend to build on this event each year creating an annual event at which football can be celebrated in Cape Town said du Plessis.

A maximum of 20 000 tickets will be sold for this event. The tickets will give all Capetonians the opportunity to be at this historic event.
In accordance with the policy of making the tickets affordable and available to all, the tickets will be sold via Computicket exclusively therefore no tickets will be sold at the stadium on match day.

Amsterdam Cancels Tour

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:37:00 +0200

Ajax Amsterdam have cancelled their proposed tour of South Africa after adverse weather conditions caused the postponed of a games and the fixtures have been rescheduled for the weeks that Ajax Amsterdam were due to play in South Africa.

Heavy snowfalls have seen a number of sports events postponed across Europe and Ajax Amsterdam were victims of the bad weather.
The South African tour by the Dutch football giants was to have taken place from 09 January 2010 to 17 January 2010. Their tour would have been part of a 4-team tournament against Supersport United, Santos and Ajax Cape Town.

As part of the four team tournament, Ajax Amsterdam would have played Supersport United at UWC on January 13, 2010 and against Ajax Cape Town at the Boland Stadium on Saturday 16 January 2010.
Ajax Amsterdam would have been based in Stellenbosch as part of the partnership between Ajax Cape Town and the Cape Winelands District to show their readiness to host major teams during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

However Ajax Amsterdam was informed that they will play NAC on January 17, 2010 therefore they will be unable to make the trip to South Africa.

Shooz Mekuto the Ajax Cape Town PRO said, It is very unfortunate that Ajax Amsterdam had to cancel their tour to South Africa as games against the PSL log leaders Supersport United and Ajax Cape Town would have drawn the crowds and the South African teams would have been able to test their football ability against one of the giants of European football.

We would also have had the opportunity to show the world that Cape Town is a perfect host city ahead of the World Cup, concluded Mekuto.

Holiday Clinic's a success

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:35:00 +0200

The Ajax holiday football clinics are a hit with local kids who turned up in their number this past December holidays.

Held at Ikamva, the head quarters of Ajax Cape Town a large number of children registered for training. The popularity of these clinics continues to grow.

This clinic caters for children from aged 6 to 15 years with two groups training over two days.

The participants were trained in the basics of football encouraging the kids to improve their skills at their own pace. A highlight of the clinic was when the Ajax mascot arrived to greet the children at the clinic. They also had their phots taken with their hero..

All the kids enjoyed Lunch and refreshments on each day. At the end pof the clinic each child received a goodie-bags packed with items from the Ajax sponsors as well as Ajax merchandise.

Cape Town Derby to launch Cape Town Stadium

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:31:00 +0200

Cape Town will never be the same again after the Cape Town Stadium operator; SAIL STADEFRANCE announced the inaugural events to launch the venue as the prime sports arena in the Mother City.

December 22, 2009 marked the launch of the Soccer and Rugby Festivals that will be held at the Cape Town Stadium in January 2010.

Built at a cost of R4, 5 billion, Cape Town Stadium is a magnificent venue and how fitting it will be that the Mother City’s two professional teams Ajax Cape Town and Santos will play in the first sports event to be held in this stadium on Saturday 23 January 2010.

The purpose of the inaugural event is to test the readiness of the stadium, its systems and processes, whish is part of the operating company’s incremental readiness strategy,” said Morne Du Plessis, the Executive Chair of the operating company SAIL STADEFRANCE.
As this is the first event we ask for the support of the local community and we will try to minimize the impact of any event held in this stadium on residents in the area. This is an exciting milestone for the City of Cape Town, soccer supporters and the community at large and we are proud to be associated with this event said du Plessis.

In a press statement released by the stadium management said, A maximum of 20 000 tickets will be sold for this event. The tickets will give all Capetonians the opportunity to be at this historic event.

In accordance with the policy of making the tickets affordable and available to all tickets will be sold via Computicket exclusively therefore no tickets will be sold at the stadium on match day.

Purshoth Chetty the CEO of SAIL STADEFRANCE said, I would like to encourage Capetonians and its visitors to support the opening event and be part of a significant milestone and celebrate a massive achievement on behalf of Cape Town.

This event promises to showcase a spectacular stadium in the most beautiful location worldwide with two of the city’s favourite teams, concluded Chetty.

The Ajax Cape Town vs Santos game will be the first event to mark the launch of the Cape Town Stadium Soccer Festival on Saturday 23January, 2010.

This event will be more than a football game as there will be participation from local musicians and artists. We intend to build on this event each year creating an annual event at which football can be celebrated in Cape Town said du Plessis.

The second event scheduled for the stadium is the Cape Town Stadium Rugby Festival featuring the Boland Invitational 15 against Vodacom Stormers. This game will also host a match between the S. A. 10’s Legends vs an International 10’s legends as a curtain raiser for the main game.

Jean Louis Romain of SAIL STADEFRANCE and the General Manager Cape Town Stadium said, We are extremely proud to be operating this world class multipurpose venue. As a joint venture of South Africa’s SAIL and France’s Consortium STADEFRANCE we are looking forward to assisting the City of Cape Town in making its most expensive asset sustainable and one which it can be proud of.

United down Ajax in Durban

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:40:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town suffered a defeat at the hands of Maritzburg United in Durban on Sunday. The Urban Warriors lost 2-1.

Making his debut for Ajax was Nathan Paulse on loan from Swedish side Hammarby IF. It was Paulse who created problems for United early on. The Ajax striker had the ball in the net within 10 minutes but the match official did not allow the goal but awarded United a free-kick for a foul on the home keeper, Shu-aib Walters.

On the other end United could have taken the lead had Bester taken his chance. Fortunately for Ajax he placed his shot wide with just the Ajax keeper Hans Vonk to beat.

Both teams came out for the second half intent to open the scoring and it was the home side that did just that. Musa Nyatama latched onto a defensive clearance from Dennis Ivanovs and slotted the ball past Vonk to give United a 1-0 lead.

Ajax, still reeling from conceding the goal found themselves two goals down when Nyatama found the net again after breaking though the centre of the Ajax defence a he beat Vonk with a well placed shot.
The Ajax bench rang the changes bringing on Sibisi and Vilakazi in order to strengthen their attack in search for goals. The height of Paulse continued to pose a threat for United but the final ball to the strikers did not find the intended targets.

With their more offensive game plan Ajax pushed forward and was rewarded when Paulse was fouled in the box and Lance Davids scored from the resultant spot-kick. The goal spurred Ajax in search of an equalizer but the referees whistle signalled the end of the game.

The Urban Warriors face a resurgent Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus on Wednesday and they will need to be at their best to get a result from this game as fixtures between these two teams are always action packed games.

Santos win Cape Derby

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:34:00 +0200

Santos beat Ajax Cape Town 1-0 in an Absa Premiership clash at Athlone Stadium on Saturday night.

The goal was scored by Erwin Isaacs.

Boebie Solomons’ side had to play the last 20 minutes with ten men after the dismissal of Bonginkosi Macala, but the reward of sitting in second place on the log, six points behind leaders SuperSport United, will have made the effort worthwhile. The Urban Warriors drop to fourth on the table.

Santos took the lead somewhat against the run of play in the 30th minute. Winger Graham King burst free down the left channel and, faced with only goalkeeper Hans Vonk to beat, he selflessly squared for Erwin Isaacs who turned home the ball to make it 1-0.

Ajax dominated the second half but they struggled to create scoring chances. The visitors did manage to carve out a good opening in the 57th minute after a very well worked passing movement, but Vilakazi’s weak shot was easily smothered by Tshepo Motsoeneng.
With 20 minutes to play the People’s Team were reduced to ten men, with right-back Bongi Macala dismissed after receiving his second yellow card for an unnecessary foul on Aboubacar Fofana.

Fofana came close to bringing Santos level on 78 minutes, turning smartly in the penalty area, only to blast his effort wide of the upright.
Santos almost doubled their lead with a rare attack in the second half, as Spelman powered a header just over the crossbar from a corner kick with just under ten minutes to play in regulation time.

SANTOS:
LAST THREE RESULTS:
28/11	Santos	1-0	Ajax CT
25/11	Celtic	1-1	Santos
20/11	Santos	0-1	Chiefs

UPCOMING FIXTURES:
02/12	vs	S'downs	(A)	PSL
06/12	vs	Swallows	(H)	PSL
09/12	vs	Cosmos	(A)	PSL

AJAX CAPE TOWN:
LAST THREE RESULTS:
28/11	Ajax CT	0-1	Santos
25/11	FS Stars	0-0	Ajax CT
21/11	Ajax CT	0-3	Pirates

UPCOMING FIXTURES:
01/12	vs	SS Utd	(H)	PSL
05/12	vs	Wits	(A)	PSL
09/12	vs	AmaZulu	(H)	PSL

HOME TEAM: SANTOS
(30)	Tshepo Motsoeneng
(16)	Wayne Arendse
(12)	Bonginkosi Macala
(3)	Ricardo Skippers
(17)	Graham King
(15)	Erwin Isaacs
(13)	Shafeeq Arendse
(11)	Romano Scott
(8)	Tyren Arendse
(4)	Mogogi Gabonamong
(32)	Phikolethu Spelman
Substitutes
(22)	Boitumelo Mafoko
(2)	Musa Otieno
(20)	Zairon Van Beulen

AWAY TEAM: AJAX CAPE TOWN
(1)	Hans Vonk
(28)	Derek Decamps
(26)	Clayton Daniels
(20)	Deniss Ivanovs
(2)	Nazeer Allie
(24)	Franklin Cale
(13)	Lance Davids
(10)	Sameehg Doutie
(18)	Sifiso Vilakazi
(17)	Thulani Serero
(10)	George Maluleka
Substitutes
(23)	Aboubacar Fofana
(5)	Clifford Ngobeni

Stars hold Ajax in Boland

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:23:00 +0200

The succession of fouls disrupted the flow of the Ajax game-plan but the Urban Warriors put themselves about the park with purpose.

Ajax continued to threaten with Selolwane shooting just wide from an acute angle and then Thulani Serero had his shot cleared off the line after Mweene took the sting off the initial goal attempt. Maluleka found space inside the penalty area but he rushed his shot, the ball flew over the bar to the dismay of the Ajax fans.

Ajax poured forward and Mweene robbed Cale of the ball after a weighty first- touch saw Cale lose possession of the ball just when the Ajax player was clear on goal.

Mohammed Diallo replaced Dipsy Selolwane after the break as Ajax added numbers to their attack in order to break the deadlock. He was soon joined by Sifiso Vilkazi who replaced George Maluleke.

Vilakazi almost made an immediate impact but he saw his glancing header fly wide of the post after good work on the wing by Diallo.
Sifiso was in the thick of the action when he latched onto a Cale cross but the Ajax striker rushed his shot and missed a chance to give his team the lead.

A flash of yellow cards and Shabalala, Daniels and Davids found their names in the referee’s book.

Stars almost stole it late in the game when a long ball forward found Lebyane but he placed his header wide then a mistake by Derek Decamps allowed Makola a sight at goal but his shot flew over the bar.
After the game the Ajax Foppe de Haan coach said, “We played well today and our performances are improving with every game. We controlled the game well but could not finish after getting into good scoring positions.

Our strikers need to be calm in front of goal and I will speak to them about this.”

Ajax partners with the Cape Winelands District to host PSL games

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0200

Ajax partners with the Cape Winelands District to host PSL games.
With 2010 around the corner, Ajax Cape Town in support of promoting football in the Western Cape, especially the Cape Winelands District, will be playing their remaining three home games for 2009 at the Boland Rugby Stadium.

Ajax Cape Town will once again showcase what the Western Cape has to offer in terms of their ability to host major events and top professional teams.

The association between Ajax Cape Town and the Cape Winelands District was established in 2008 and has been a productive one since.
Last year in March the Ajax Community Scheme programme, Scouting and Marketing departments visited Worcester, Stellenbosch, Ceres, Paarl and Eden where they conducted coaching clinics with the five different Cape Winelands regions.

The Urban Warriors also played Monomotapa FC at the Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington on Saturday 14 March, 2009. As many as 200 children arrived at the Stadium to participate in the day’s activities and the call to return was requested not only by the districts involved, but by the children.

Ajax Cape Town will play Free State Stars (Wednesday 25 November), Supersport (Tuesday 01 December, 2009) and Amazulu (Wednesday 09 December 2009) at the Boland Rugby Stadium.

The local community in the Cape Winelands will also enjoy the opportunity of “hosting” a Cape Derby when Santos plays Ajax Cape Town at the Coetzenburg Stadium on 28 November 2009.

The Cape Winelands District will host as many as four PSL games from November 25 to 09 December, 2009.

The alliance between Ajax Cape Town and the Cape Winelands District is well established and we will continue to endorse this areas capability in hosting major events and sports teams leading up to 2010 and beyond.

Ajax lose to Pirates away from home

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:27:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Towns unbeaten away run came to a halt when Orlando Pirates netted three times with a reply to claim all three points at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Urban Warriors suffered a setback during the warm-up ahead of the game when Aiden Jenniker pulled up short and was forced to withdraw from the starting line-up. Clayton Daniels replaced him and this proved to be a crucial factor that dictated the game-plan of Pirates.

Without the services of Brett Evans and Aiden, Ajax were left without a dedicated left-back and Pirates exploited this fact by directing all their attacks down the Ajax left.

Daniels did well in the first half as he contained Dikgang Mabalane and Thulasizwe Mbuyane for most of the first half.

The Urban Warriors started the game firing on all cylinders as they closed down the Pirates midfield and penned the Buccaneers in their own half for long periods of the opening stanza. Franklin Cale was shadowed by Happy Jele throughout the game but the Ajax player still managed to get a few shots on target.

As the game progressed Pirates gained more ground and they came forward with purpose only to find Vonk alert between the poles. The Ajax keeper blocked a goal-bound shot by Mabalane, Then Ivanovs blocked the rebounding shot by Mbuyane, Mabalane pounced on the lose ball but hit his shot wide.

Ajax counter-attacked and Pirates was forced to concede a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area when Dipsy Selolwane was brought down. Cale struck powerful shot only to see it fly wide of the upright.
Moeneeb Josephs in goal for Pirates, restarted the game quickly with a long ball forward but Vonk and collected the ball to avert the danger.
The first yellow card of the game was flashed in the 25th minute when Mbuyane was booked for a studs-up challenge on the Ajax defender Derek Dechamps.

Pirates made their intentions clear when Mbyuane headed a cross from deep just over the bar. Pirates won their first corner and the Ajax defence cleared the initial danger but Katlego Mashego latched onto the loose ball and struck a low drive to the right of Hans Vonk into the back of then net.

The goal spurred Ajax forward and Pirates conceded a number of free-kicks as they failed to contain Serero and Selolwane. First Serero was brought down on the edge of the penalty area just as he was about to beat the last man in the Pirates defence, Cale rattled the bar when his free-kick hit the up-right. Then Cale again beat the wall with another free-kick only for Josephs to collect comfortably.
The game was delicately balanced until a defensive error allowed Phenyo Mongala clear on goal and the Buccaneer made no mistake (2-0).

With the crowd cheering them on Pirates put the Ajax defence under pressure and the strain took its toll when Nazeer Allie was booked in the 67th minute and then was adjudged to have handled the ball two minutes later resulting in the penalty of the home team.

Mahamutsa dispatched the spot-kick (3-0) to consign Ajax to their first away defeat of the season.

Ajax Cape Town stay second on the PSL standings and they face Free State Stars in their next game on Wednesday 25 November 2009.

Ferreira completes his Sundowns move

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:54:00 +0200

Eduardo Ferreira finally completed his much publicised move to Sundowns after Ajax Cape Town released the player to join Sundowns
Initially Ferreira was to leave for Chloorkop in January but when the PSL successfully lobbied FIFA to move the January transfer period forward the Urban Warriors decided to release the player in line with the new transfer window period.

He will report to Sundowns on Monday (16 November, 2009) morning and we wish him well for his future playing career, said Shooz Mekuto the Ajax PRO.]

Eduardo arrived in South Africa unfamiliar to the local football fraternity and immediately made an impact on the local football scene with some stering displays in the RED and White of Ajax Cape Town.

During his short time at Ikamva his honours include; 2007 ABSA Cup Champions, 2007 Old Mutual Manguang Cup, Champion,
2008 Old Mutual Manguang Cup, Champion, 2007/8 ABSA Premiership (PSL) 2nd Place, 2008 Telkom Knock Out Champion.

His previous clubs include Fluminenze F.C., Guarani F.C., Corinthians F.C., Grêmio Esportivo Anápolis all in Brazil.

Ajax/MTN Roadshow set for Philippi

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:54:00 +0200

This week the Ajax Cape Town/MTN Community Road Show will be activated in the Vuyiseka Sport Complex, Philippi on Saturday 07 November 2009.

The days activities will include the MTN Skills Zone where skills testing that includes dribbling the ball, juggling the ball and target shooting. On the entertainment front a DJ will keep the spectators on their toes with catchy tunes.

After each skills test a scoresheet is calculated to determine which prize each participant will win. Prizes on offer include an Ajax supporter’s replica shirt, MTN lunch bag and an Ajax draw-string bag amongst other prizes.

On the adjacent field a Philippi Select XI will play against Ajax Cape Town junior teams in their respective age groups.

Ajax Cape Town’s youth coaches and scouts will present a coaching clinic to a group of local players while their coaches will receive instruction as to the benefits of each coaching drill demonstrated.

A select group of Ajax Cape Town’s PSL players will be in attendance and they will be available to sign autographs and pose for photographs with their fans.

Over the past weeks the Ajax Cape Town/MTN Community Road travelled to Khayelitsha and Mfuleni where a great time was enjoyed by all and the one to be held in Philippi is expected to be no different.

Ajax Cape Town and Arrows draw

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:18:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town and Golden Arrows played to a goalless draw at the Newlands Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Urban Warriors where determined to shrug off their MTN8 defeat at the hands of todays opponents with a work-man like display and they did.

Ajax controlled the game from the start, their players tackled and fought for every lose ball. Their efforts nearly paid off in the opening 20 minutes when Diyo Sibisi had two shots at the goal, one flew just wide the other was saved by Da Rocha in goal for Arrows.

Arrows aware that this opening salvo was just the start was defensive in their approach to the game wary of the offensive game plan of Ajax.

The home team started with a different formation than expected and looked solid from the start. Lance Davids at right back, Nhlanhla Shabalala at left back, George Maluleka started upfront next to Diyo Sibisi and Clifford Ngobeni was back at his best in the midfield.
Ajax promised a more offensive approach without sacrificing their defensive responsibilities.

Sameehg Doutie and Franklin Cale enjoyed the space afforded them on the wings and they linked up well with Dipsy and Clifford to launch the Ajax attack with George and Diyo at the end of the final passes.

In the 20th minute Ngobeni fed Doutie whose cross to the far post found Diyo and the resultant header flew just over the bar. Minutes later Doutie floated in a free-kick and Da Rocha punched the ball clear and Arrows concedes a corner. The Arrows defence cleared the corner to Maluleka who fired in a shot and Da Rocha saves.

Ajax almost conceded when Ngobeni lost the ball to Musa Bilankulu inside his own half, Musa fed Richard Henyekani who was clear on route to score but the Arrows striker shot feebly and Vonk saved comfortably.

Ajax broke through the Arrows backline often but the strikers could not take advantage. Maluleka had the ball plucked off his feet, then he turned his marker and passed to Sibisi only for an Arrows defender to block the shot then Cale fed Diyo whose shot hit the side-netting.

Ajax continued to probe for an opening and the pressure almost paid-off when Serero was brought down in the penalty area but the match official waved play-on to the dismay of the home fans and they made their displeasure known vociferously.

Jan Pruijn said in his pre-match message Our performances must reflect a certain work attitude that this is to be the base for getting results in the future and then no one can say that we did not get the desired result its because the work ethic was bad.

Ajax did not disappoint with this new approach.

It was not only the new look of the Ajax team that had their supporters cheering every good tackle, pass and shot at goal what was evident over the last two games is that this Ajax Cape Town team worked for each other in defence and attack.

This week holds new challenges for Ajax with their new coach Foppe de Haan taking up the reigns with games against Cosmos on Wednesday and Black Aces on Sunday. The Urban Warriors plans to take their new approach to these games looking to cement their place amongst the leaders on the PSL standings.

MTN 8 Final

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:08:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town plays their second cup final in 10 months when they face Golden Arrows at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday. The game starts at 20h15.

The Urban Warriors have promised to play an attacking brand of football in the MTN8 final to ensure that they lift the trophy.
On December 13 2008, the Urban Warriors lifted the Telkom Knock Out trophy and on Saturday they hope to add the MTN8 trophy to their cabinet.

Jan Pruijn, caretaker coach of Ajax Cape Town said, “We are ready for this final. There is a positive mood in the camp and the mental approach of our players will be a key-factor come Saturday.

Our preparations are going well and the players are working hard at training. We have concentrated on certain areas of our game where we need to sharpen our skills and approach.

I believe that the players need to fight for the win from the start of the game, they have the ability and the skill to win the trophy but we must work as a team to achieve success. We have worked on our offensive in order to be more effective when we attack and defend as a unit with each player understanding what his role is whatever the situation on the field of play.

We are expecting a tough game against Golden Arrows because they are a very good team but we believe in ourselves and should the players bring this confidence into the game then the result will be in our favour”, concluded Pruijn.

Ajax v Celtic home

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:29:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town put all the drama of the past week behind them when they beat Bloemfontein Celtic 1 – 0 at the Newlands Stadium on Sunday 18/ October 2009.

The win could not have come at a better time for the Urban Warriors as they prepare for the MTN8 Cup Final next week.

The game started with lots of action on the Celtic end as Ajax pressed forward in search of a early goal. Shots from Serero, Davids and Sibisi tested Tigyemb but the Celtic keeper saved well especially the when Davids hit a low shot to the Celtic keepers right in the 19th minute.

Tigyemb saved a certain goal when he was able to get his fingertips to the ball.

Then Serero missed a certain goal when Sameehg Doutie crossed from the right and Serero unmarked on the far post out his header over the bar from less than a metre from the goal line.

Celtic also carved out scoring chances with Olomu and Mototo missing their opportunities. Olomu had the easier of chances when he shrugged off a challenge from Nazeer Allie but hit his shot powerfully into the stands.

The visitors came out with more purpose in the second half as they pegged Ajax into their own half but it was Ajax who first the first shot on target when Samaeehg Doutie swung in an accurate free-kick that found Dereck Decamps on the far post but the Ajax defender headed the ball just wide of the far post.

George Maluleka came on for Diyo Sibisi in the 65th minute as Ajax searched for the first goal. On the other end the combination of Olomu and Walaza kept the Ajax defence busy as they tried to find a way to the Ajax goal.

The game opened up for the offensive players as Maluleka back-heeled the ball for Cale and the latter fired his shot wide. Then Maluleka found space but his shot was saved by Tigyemb.

For Celtic they upped the tempo going forward as Mototo and Olomu enjoyed the space afforded them by the Ajax defence. Mototo shot at goal but Vonk was well placed to foil the attack.

For Ajax their offensive was launched from the left with Jennicker Cale and Maluleka combining well. Diallo replaced Jennicker to give Ajax a more offensive approach. Cale moved to the left-back position.
Doutie continued to raid the right hand side of the filed firing in crosses from the by-line. On one such occasion the ball was plucked off Sereros head by Tigyemb who immediately released Khaile. The Celtic lost possession as Ajax hurried the Celtic players into commiting mistakes. Cale enjoyed running at the Celtic defence from deep as the Celtic defence could not stop the crosses into their penalty area.

Ajax pressed forward and their attack was given more ammunition when Vilikazi replaced Serero. The switch paid off when Vilikazi put his name on the score-sheet.

The goal scored by Sifiso Vilikazi was as a result of some enterprising play on the left side by Diallo who fed Cale in the left back position. The latter flighted in a perfect cross from just over the halfway line for Vilikazi to place past a despairing dive from Patrick Tigyemb.

The win lifts Ajax Cape Town into the fifth position on the log equal on points with Wits and Santos but with goal difference the dividing factor.

Ajax appoints Foppe de Haan as new Head Coach.

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:15:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town would like announce that they have appointed Foppe de Haan as their new Head Coach.

George Comitis the Ajax CEO said, "After a long deliberation and thorough analysis of all the applications that we have received, we believe that we have found the right man to steer us forward.

We have been negotiating with Mr de Haan since Sunday (after flying him to South Africa) and concluded the contract this morning.

Mr de Haan comes with a wealth of experience and at the age of 66, he is one of the most respected coaches in Holland. He has coached the Dutch Eredivisie team Heerenveen for 19 years from 1985 – 2004 before taking over the reigns of the Netherlands U21 national team leading them to two consecutive European Finals, winning both in 2006 and 2007.

It was Mr de Haan who converted Ruud Van Nistelrooy from a defender to a striker after sending him to watch Dennis Bergkamp play while at SC Heerenveen.

In 2004 he was honoured with the title Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau from the Dutch Queen.

In 2008 he coached the Dutch team to qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympics football tournament for the first time in their history, leading his side to the quarter-finals where they were ultimately defeated by Argentina after extra time.

Mr de Haan will be arriving tomorrow evening and will remain with the team until after the MTN8 Cup Final after which he will return to Holland to tie-up his business affairs before returning to South Africa. He will start officially in November and remain until the end of the season by which time we will have decided on the way forward with his input.

Jan Pruijn will remain at the helm until November and thereafter will assist Mr de Haan regarding South African football. (Continued on next page)

Ajax Cape Town has become known for its style of attacking Dutch football and the development of youth players. It is important that we continue with this vision by appointing the right coach,” concluded Comitis.

Profile: - Foppe de Haan
Full name: Foppe de Haan
Date of Birth: June 26, 1943 (age 66)
Place of Birth:Lippenhuizen (Opsterland), Netherlands

1974–1978         VV Akkrum
1976–1977        SC Heerenveen (youth)
1977–1980         Drachtster Boys
1980–1983         ACV
1983–1985         Steenwijk
1985–2004        SC Heerenveen
2004-2009        Netherlands U21
Current        Technical Advisor, SC Heerenveen

Issued By: Mark Meyer
Media and Communications, Ajax Cape Town
Match/Club Comment Contact: Shooz Mekuto,
Ajax Cape Town PRO
Ph: (021) 930 6001
Ajax Cape Town
(021) 930 6001

Ajax search for new head coach

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:39:00 +0200

Speculation as to the identity of the new head coach at Ajax Cape town has reached fever pitch with every available and not-so available coaches names being linked with the vacant post but George Comitis the Ajax coach is adamant that only a select few are in line for the job.

George said, “We have watched with great interest as to the media speculation linking numerous coaches’ names with the vacant head coach’s position at Ikamva.

There is a great interest in South African football at this moment, with the World Cup on the horizon coaches from all over the world are keen to come to South Africa. We have had numerous applications from local and international coaches, some of them amongst the leading exponents of the game.

Applications arrived at Ikamva from as far as France, England, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, Serbia and Switzerland as well as those from local coaches.

We have already identified and even head-hunted our choices for the position. Now we have to start the review process in order to finalise our choice of head coach.

The ideal candidate must understand the philosophy and culture of Ajax Cape Town, know the South African football landscape, understand our style of football and be able to continue with our Youth policy.

At this moment in time we are very happy with Jan Pruijn at the helm and the final decision will not be taken lightly and in a hurry, concluded Comitis.

An emotional Ertugral bids Ajax farewell

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:44:00 +0200

It was a difficult decision to make but I could not ignore that opportunity of coaching a team that has qualified for the Champions League said Muhsin Ertugral.

The Turkish born coach was very emotional as he addressed the local media in his last press conference at Ikamva today. He said This was a very difficult decision to make because I am part of the Ajax family.
When I spoke to my CEO about the offer on the table they supported me and advised me in making my decision. Looked at this offer for a long time as it was always my ambition to coach a team in the Champions league and that the team is a Turkish based club makes this offer even harder to turn down.

I must say the Ajax Cape town management were fantastic in the understanding of the situation and encouraged me to follow my dream. I would like to thank all the staff and the Ajax fans for their support and I will always be thankful to the club for supporting me at this difficult time”, concluded Ertugral before breaking down during the Press Conference.

Muhsin leaves for Turkey this evening and will be on the bench at his new club, Sivasspor at the weekend.

United lanced by late goal

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:26:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town fought back from a goal down to share the spoils against a gallant Maritzburg United at Newlands Stadium on Wednesday 23 September 2009.

Although the home side fired the first shot at poles when Dipsy Selolwane forced a save from Tashrique Goldman in goal for United, it was the visitors who held most of the possession and they made Ajax pay dearly when Felix Obada found space on the right and fired United ahead from a tight angle.

Ajax responded immediately to the challenge and Franklin Cale who had a storming game cut in from his position out wide and his shot skimmed just past the far upright.

United attacked with long balls forward on the counter-attack and one such attack found Musa Nyatamabut but Vonk was well positioned to make a save.

Ajax pressed forward as the first half drew to a close via Granwald Scott and Aboubacar Fofana. First Scott had his shot saved by Goldman then Fofana almost brought the crowd to their feet when he chested the ball down turned and hit on the volley. His shot was on target but once again Goldman saved.

Muhsin Ertugral the Ajax coach made his intentions clear at the start of the second half when he brought on Diyo Sibisi and Sifiso Vilkazi for Scott and Fofana. By sharpening the Ajax attack he forced the United defence to lay deeper in their own half allowing Ajax the space to attack.

The Urban Warriors put pressure on United and as time passed the home team started to put some passes together. Selolwane brought off a good save from Goldman while Vilkazi spurned his chance and hit his shot high.

Ajax forced a corner and United cleared but only as far as Lance Davids who rifled in a low shot at goal from about 20 yards. The ball deflected off a United defender and sent the keeper the wrong way as it nestled into the bottom left hand corner of the net bringing the home support to their feet applauding the goal.

Ajax continued to press forward but the match official brought the game to an end without either side adding to their goal tally.

Injuries cut down Ajax squad

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:56:00 +0200

Injuries and a national call-up have blighted the Ajax Cape Town camp ahead of their game against Maritzburg United at Newlands Stadium on Wednesday 23 September 2009 starting at 19h30.

With four players normally in their starting line-up at the U20 FIFA World Cup and another four rushing to pass a medical ahead of this game, coach Muhsin Ertugral keen to have the latter fit and ready for this crucial home encounter.

While their away form is bringing in the points Ajax Cape Town has yet to win a league game on home soil. However Ajax has notched-up notable victories against Pirates and Chiefs in Cup competition at home and will be looking to carry over this form into their league campaign.

Ertugral is watching the progress of his injured players with eager anticipation. “We need the injured players to recover because we will be short of players on the bench forcing me to get our assistant coach Willie to put on his boots” chirped Ertugral with a wry smile.

Although the situation may not be that critical Muhsin is right to be concerned.

His squad is already depleted with five players in Egypt, now four players; all regulars are battling to get fit for the upcoming games. Clifford Ngobeni, Eduardo Ferriera, Brett Evans and Franklin Cale are all on the treatment bench racing to be ready for this game.

When news of the postponement of the MTN8 final was announced a sigh of relief went out at Ikamva but this was short lived because the PSL moved all their fixtures forward now Ajax plays United on Wednesday, Sundowns on Saturday and Platinum Stars next Wednesday then they Chiefs on October 04 2009.

Tough games lie ahead but with three points on offer from every game it is crucial just to bag as many as possible to be within touching distance of the pace-setters in the PSL. Wednesday nights game is the start of a long hard road to guarantee that Ajax are amongst the challengers, ready to pounce when the opportunity presents itself.

So the Urban Warriors will need to put on their shooting boots because United come to town hunting for any point offered. Maritzburg lost two of their last three games but gained a morale boosting victory against Chiefs.

Now they face a determined Ajax side that have the tenacity to grind-out a victory despite not playing their best football a sure sign that when their game plan falls into place the opposition better be ready for an offensive blitz.

Maarten Arts

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:58:00 +0200

Age : 49; married; two children

Holds highest Dutch coaching license (UEFA-A); licenced Sports-Teacher.
Worked as a head-coach for 10 years with teams up till 3th Dutch League
Works as Goalkeeping-Coach for FC Utrecht (for the last 11 seasons); former clubs as a Goalkeeping Coach: NEC; Fortuna Sittard and NAC .
Works as a teacher for GK-Coaches-courses for a.o. the Austrian and German Football Assosiation. Has an exclusive contract with the Mexican Football Assosiation.
Had (and has) his own Uhlsport-Pro Goal-goalkeeping camps all over the world (a.o. Hongkong;Norway;Germany; U.S.A. etc.) In these camps he worked with a.o. Toni Schumacher;Hans van Breukelen;Oliver Kahn,Jens Lehmann etc. Leads the Uhlsport Challenge Tour in Germany and Holland for Uhlsport.
Made two succesfull DVD’s about goalkeeping: “Conditioning “ and “Training like the Pro’s”. Is now working on its third: “Goalkeeping Coaching Complete”. Will be released at the end of this year.
Wrote two books about Goalkeeping: “Handbook Goalkeeping” and recently “The Coach and his keeper”.
Signs up all the Dutch Topkeepers that play with Uhlsport.This season 13 out of 18 in the Dutch Highest League do.
Owns a internet-store at www.progoal.nl; started Goalkeeping schools under: www.keepersscholen.nl
Recent success:
5 years UEFA-Cup; three Cup-Finals. Utrecht won 2 Cup-Finals against Feyenoord and FC Twente.
Winner of the Dutch Super Cup against Ajax.
Wapenaar was nominated for “The best Dutch Goalkeeper” for 3 seasons.
Goalkeeper Michel Vorm is selected for the Dutch National Team. Played his first match against Sweden, November 2008..
Goalkeepers he worked with got a transfer to clubs abroad:

Postma (Aston Villa); van Zwam (Jubilo Iwata); Karelse (Newcastle United); Wapenaar (Portsmouth);

3 Youth-FC Utrecht-keepers play for the Dutch National Teams

Maarten Arts at Ikamva

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:09:00 +0200

Jan Pruijn the Ajax Cape Town Head of Technical Affairs was delighted when Maarten accepted an invitation to work at Ikamva. Jan said Maartin is in the building he one of two keeper guru’s in the world. He worked with the current Dutch national keeper and has travelled all over the world giving courses for goalkeeper trainers. He is here as part of Ajax Amsterdam’s commitment to assist Ajax Cape Town in a technical perspective.

Maartin Arts is an internationally acclaimed goalkeeper coach. He has written a number of books and produced a series of DVD’s on the subject and he continues to work on the ground amongst clubs to spread the Gospel of Goalkeeping.

Maarten said I am professional goalkeeping coach and I have worked all over the world. The last club I worked with is FC Utrecht and their keeper Michel Vorm is now playing in the Dutch national team.

I run a number of goalkeeping schools and I am sponsored by Uhlsport therefore I am also a brand ambassador for them. I signed up a number of Dutch goalkeepers including Hans Vonk for Uhlsport and recently worked in Moscow on their behalf.

Ajax Cape Town had a training camp in Holland recently and Jan Pruijn who I know for a long time invited me to come and work with the Ajax Cape Town goalkeepers.

I know Hans from his time in Holland and that made it easier for me to come here and work with the Ajax keepers and Brian van de Heever the Ajax goalkeeper coach. In the short term I am working with Hans and Andre ahead of the MTN8 Cup final. As you know goalkeeping is all about the finer details of the trade and I will be concentrating on specific areas in each players arsenal to improve their ability.
Brian and I trained with the Ajax PSL keepers ahead of their game against Wits and I will watch the game on Sunday. I will present a match analysis of the game to the coach and Brian because its very important for the keepers to know what areas of their trade they need to concentrate on.

During my time at Utrecht we played in three cup finals last season and they won two therefore I am working with the Ajax keepers with a view of the Cup Final.

There are a lot of talented keepers in South Africa but they must focus on their long term ambitions. The mental aspect of goalkeeping is very important because the talent is always there. A goalkeeper may have a good technique but if his mental aspect is weak then he will not make it to the top.

Keepers need to work on their concentration as they are not as involved in the game for the entire 90 minutes. Goalkeeper Coaching is a neglected part of the game here and besides the Farouk Abrahams goal keeper training academy there is no specific attention paid to this position but we are limited in producing a bigger pool of good keepers in Cape Town.

My advice is if you want to be the best you must train very hard and stay focused on your long term ambitions.

I will not work with the juniors initially but I will be observing Brian’s coaching methods and then I will sit down with him and discuss various aspects of the training sessions said Maartin Arts.

Ajax Coach

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:31:00 +0200

Title: get inspired
Ajax warriors’ silver fox
Blurb:
Controversial newsmaker, cCup specialist and hell-bent on leading local football team Ajax Cape Town to victory, my way or the highway coach Muhsin Ertuğral of Sea Point, reveals a more genteel side to Nelia Vivier.

Story:
Muhsin Ertuğral needs no introduction to the local fans. Win, lose or draw, every second of the nerve-wracking 90 minutes his players are on the field, the Turkish born coach is the lone star of his own silent movie. He writhes, he grimaces, he contorts, clearly the man is in agony and, if the many rumours are true, so is his players when he turns his wrath on them.

This morning, however, over a foamy cappuccino in Giovanni’s in Green Point, the man of the hour is relaxed, beaming goodwill and adding a few more creases to the very pronounced laughter lines around his fiercely twinkling, blue eyes.

“That man you see, caught in the glare of the television cameras, lives on soccer field,” says his feisty but laid-back wife Verena. “When he comes through the door, either foaming at the mouth or totally drained, I always tell him ‘Muhsin, you’re home now and I’m not married to the club’.”

She describes a perfect gentleman, a fun guy who always looks good in jeans, makes the bed, washes the dishes and cooks up a storm. “It is eerie though, the minute he steps out of that locker room, you can see the transformation.”

Mushin chortles at her take on his private and very public performances, then shrugs and says the pain he feels out there, is real, emotionally and physically. “I feel the game. I live the game. What can I say, I’m an emotional guy.

If the team plays according to the game plan, he likes to think he's the most relaxed guy on the sideline. “But it’s agony when they veer off track or play to please the crowd. I’m never out of control, but may take a tactical moment to regroup, analysing each move the players make. You only get one change and a game is determined moment by moment.”

Ever since he came to Africa to coach, he’s been a controversial figure. The media thrives on the difficult and temperamental reputation of the only person to lead a South African team to victory in the African Winners' Cup.

A feeding frenzy ensued with his dramatic and sudden, for him heart wrenching, early March departure from the very same Kaizer Chiefs. Thus, he savours, for the moment, his new club’s victory over the Soweto giants in the recent MTN 8 semi-final.

Asked whether the job is worth all the pain, a bit of flint sparks between us, then he leans back in the chair. “Always, without a doubt. A day without football is a lost day to me. So even when it’s a sh*t day, it’s still a good day if there’s football in it.”

He does not recall a time that he hasn’t been involved with game or for that matter finding his feet on foreign soil. “I started playing at age six in a youth league in Germany. We’ve just arrived from the coastal village of Muhru in Turkey and I was the new kid on the block.”

His features undergoes a change, become softer, more wistful as he relives the journey of a small boy, born in Istanbul and raised in Cologne, the son of a immigrant carpenter who uprooted his family from their beloved Turkey in search of a better life.

“I fitted in quickly as I was talented, with a knack for languages (he speaks German, Turkish and English fluently) but I’ve had my share of discrimination. What I missed most was going out to sea with my fisherman granddad. Germany and now Africa have become home, but the blood flowing through my veins, will always be Turkish.”

The person who taught him all about determination was his uncle, Adnan Senses, a professional soccer player who at age 18 decideded to train as singer, and are is now one of Turkey’s biggest pop stars. “I thought to myself, if he who grew up poor on a small ranch, can make it, so can I.”

His coach at Cologne for whom he played professionally, also had a big influence on his life. “It was a glorious time as we were on a winning streak, but I also learnt that talent isn’t everything. This is something local heroes would do well to keep in mind. You come from nowhere, suddenly you’re a star, earning big bucks and then one day, an injury happens, in my case a buggered knee, and it’s game over.”

This same holds true for coaches, whose stints at major clubs enjoy the lifespan of a mayfly. Mushin agrees, citing the success of clubs, like Manchester United, who allow their coaches time to develop their game plan and players over years.

“The fact that you never see these guys in the limelight, tells it’s own story. It one can just spend as much energy on technical issue as you do dealing with the crap of off-field politics, the game would be far better off.”

So how does he rates Bafana’s chances for the 2010. Not too good actually, judging on their performance in the local friendly encounters, the fact that there’s no ongoing routine or stability and the players don’t get the change to develop as a coherent team.

Unapologetic about his coaching style, he shrugs off the often bandied about label of tyrant. He cast himself in the role of sea-faring captain. “When you in a hurricane, being everybody’s friend won’t get you into calmer water. Neither will a crew of bad seamen.

“When you earn 20 grand for two hours of play, you can bet your last buck I’m going to come at you and hard, if you don’t deliver. There’s a fine line between being unreasonable and demanding total commitment.”

He expects players to be disciplined, arrive on time for practice and hit the field running. “I can’t always go around smoking peace pipes, when I need results. Frankly, the only thing I court is success and the only muti needed lies deep inside the heart.”

His favourite players are the upcoming talent who still have passion and innocence, no preconceived ideas or grandeur and are willing to take instruction. “That’s why Ajax, who stands for youth, put fires in my belly as the young players have so much potential, show such character and are receptive when you throw new ideas into the mix.”

For now, the Cape’s favourite coach is blissfully happy living on the Atlantic coast and, in fact, so optimistic that he and Verena are talking to estate agents. Putting paid to the myth that Capetonians while friendly rarely get up close-an personal with new arrivals, he says at times he think they have a revolving front door.

When the whistle has blown, you more than often will find him in a apron, cooking Turkish goulash and gnocchi or Asian dishes he learnt as a kid from Korean neighbours. His ultimate holiday destination is the Mediterranean and more often than he wants to, he find himself in Asia, which Verena loves.

“We are joined at the hip and best friends and who wouldn’t want to keep a woman happy who when the call-up comes, first packs her suitcases, then asks ‘Where are we off to next?”

Hot spurs
He’s coached TSV Dagersheim, TSV Platternhardt and FC Saarbrücken in Germany, Trabzonspor inTurkey (as assistant coach), Bani Yas Club in United Arab Emirates, Club Africain in Tunisia, Congo DR in The Congo Republic, SV Mattersburg in Austria, IIsmaily in Egypt and Kaizer Chiefs, Santos and Ajax Cape Town in South Africa. Visit www.ajaxcapetown.co.za

Mushin’s hot spots
Cologne: Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior, available from Edgars in the V&A *021-419-8766 and Tygervalley Shopping Centre *021- 021 914 2201
Jeans: Armani Jeans from Fabiani in V&A *021-425-1810, Cavendish Square *021-683-8899 and Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre *021-914-4040.
Coffee shop: Giovanni’s in Green Point *021-434 6893.
Restaurant: La Perla in Sea Point *021-439-9538.
Movie Theatre: The Labia Cinema in Oranjezicht *021-424-5927
On his bedside table: 100 Things to do before you do die by Dave Freeman, available from Exclusive Books in V&A *021-419-0905.

Buses for MTN8 final

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:03:00 +0200

Travel arrangements for the MTN8 Final

Ajax Cape Town vs Golden Arrows
Orlando Stadium
26 September 2009
20h15

All Ajax Cape Town fans that would like to support their team at the MTN8 Final in Johannesburg can contact the following people in order to book you place on the buses travelling to the MTN8 final.

Bookings are accepted on a first come first served basis. The cost is R35O PER PERSON for a RETURN ticket!

Manenberg (60 seater) – Zano Hendricks : Contact – 071 370 6607
Hanover Park (60 seater) – Ismail Davids: Contact – 082 267 7220
Hanover Park (60 seater) – Mark Turner: Contact – 073 787 9232
Delft/Belhar (44 seater) – Sean Pretorius: Contact – 073 168 1717
Elsies River (44 seater) – Zolile Gabuza/Mark Kulp: Contact – 072 545 9029
M/Plain (44 seater) – Christie Toockley: Contact – 082 444 2478
KTC/Gugulethu/Nyanga (44 seater) – Ayanda Nqayi: Contact – 078 672 8388
Grassy Park (44 seater) – Jonathan Toockley: Contact – 079 884 0256
Salt River (44 seater) – Trevor Joseph: Contact – 076 725 2354
Delft (44 seater) – William Gilbert: Contact – 076 311 3139

Ajax terminates Kubeka's contract

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:42:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town CEO George Comitis reveals the team has terminated Nhlanhla Kubeka’s contract.

Ajax and Kubeka have been at loggerheads for a few weeks after the latter’s public outburst against the club’s coach Muhsin Ertugral.

Kubeka accused Ertugral of screaming and shouting at him in front of his teammates sometime at the end of July during a practice match against Santos in Cape Town. Kubeka took offence and spoke on radio about the incident. The club then hauled him before the club’s disciplinary committee on charges of bringing the club into disrepute following the outburst against Ertugral.

Ajax then appointed renowned lawyer Michael Murphy, whose findings was that the club and Kubeka must engage to try sort out the issue. However, Kubeka apparently refuses to cooperate.

“We terminated his contract yesterday,” Comitis reveals. “We asked him to apologise for bringing the club into disrepute. We told him he must apologise and for this to serve as his last warning, but he refused to apologise. I’m very disappointed in him. He was not going to pay a fine, but simply to apologise and get back to training, but he refuses to do that and we had no choice, but to terminate his contract.

“He didn’t follow the club’s rules and regulations and all we needed was that he apologizes publicly. We had no alternative, but to terminate the contract,” Comitis says.

Kubeka couldn’t be reached for his comment.
Tiyani wa ka Mabasa

Maluleka switching to Ajax

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:04:00 +0200

Transfer window deadline sparks are gathering momentum with SuperSport United agreeing to the permanent transfer of youth international striker George Maluleka to Ajax Cape Town.

Maluleka was rumoured to be heading off on loan to his former club University of Pretoria.

KickOff.com has been informed by the player’s representatives that SuperSport and Ajax have agreed to the deal and it is only the finalisation of the player’s personal terms that need to be sorted out before he is registered with the PSL today.

The 20 year-old, who is in the Amajita squad to play in the Under-20 World Cup in September, has recovered from the injuries sustained in a car accident earlier this year.

SuperSport have agreed to release Maluleka because he will battle for game time following the acquisition of strikers Petrus Mahlatsi, Rudzani Ramudzuli, Brian Omony and Thabo Mongalo adding on to the trusted pair of Anthony Laffor and Glen Salmon.

Ajax Cape Town beat the transfer deadline when they finalised the transfer of the U20 Amajita striker George Maluleka from Supersport.
Maluleka played for Tuks before moving to Supersport. He signed a three year deal and was selected in the U20 Squad to represent South Africa in the U20 World Cup in Egypt next year.

George Comitis the Ajax CEO said We are pleased to have secured the signature of George Maluleka. He is an exciting young talent and has already represented South Africa at U20 level. We are sure that he will adapt to our system of play within a short time.

Ajax go into MTN8 semi 1-0 up

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:24:00 +0200

Chiefs are most dangerous when their backs are to the wall, that’s the viewpoint of Muhsin Ertugral ahead of the MTN8 semi-final 2nd leg and he should know after spending two years at Naturena.

Ajax Cape Town will take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday at 15h00 at the Soweto Stadium, but they are wary not to take the opponents for granted.

Muhsin Ertugral is confident of coming away from Soweto Stadium with a positive result but sounded-out a warning to his team.

He said, They will come at us and we will have to be on our guard, concentrating from the first whistle. For Chiefs its all or nothing and that could open up the game leaving them vulnerable to the counter-attack. We need just one goal to ensure that we have the platform to reach the final.

We just have to keep our focus on the day, concluded Ertugral and focused is what Ajax will need to be in order to reach the final of the MTN8.

Despite grinding out a draw in midweek the Ajax players are resolute to building upon their advantage of going into this game a goal to the good. The Ajax players have a hungry look about them as they trained this week.

They fought for every ball pushing themselves to the limit in order to impress the coach and make the starting line-up.

The scene is set for an exciting game and local fans are sure to enjoy a good game of football unless of course the boo-boys get stuck in.

Allie signs new three year contract

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:44:00 +0200

Nazeer Allie pledged his future to Ajax Cape Town when signed a new three-year contract.

Allie, a product of the Ajax Youth Development Academy since aged 14 and was promoted to the PSL team in 2006.

He represented the South African National teams at U20 (2 Caps), U17 (5 Caps) levels and was selected to the Bafana Bafana camp ahead of the friendly game against Australia in August 2008.

Nazeer won a number of titles in the Ajax Cape Town jersey and his honours list reads as follows; 2004 Metropolitan Premier Cup Champion, 2007 ABSA Cup Champion, 2007 Old Mutual Manguang Cup Champion, 2007 Ajax Cape Town Player’s Player of the Year, 2008 Old Mutual Manguang Cup Champion, 2008 Telkom Knock-Out Champion.

Nazeer is currently recovering from an injury picked up last season however he is expected to return to training very soon and in doing so, ease the selection poser in the right-back position.

Ajax Fan Shop opens

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:51:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town formally opened their Fan Shop with on Thursday August 20, 2009 preceded with a fashion extravaganza in the Ajax Lounge.

After the fashion show, all the guests were invited outside to witness Kjetil Siem - PSL CEO cut the ribbon to open the Ajax Fan Shop officially. Mr Siem said, “Whenever I am at Ikamva I am greeted with a special welcome and that is evident in the professional way they go about their business here. Now I am about to become a part of Ajax Cape town’s history as the person honoured to cut the ribbon here tonight, so without further delay I declare the Ajax Fan Shop OPEN.
Guests were asked to display some form of restraint as the Fan Shop could not contain the entire guest list at one time.

Once inside a wide array of Ajax merchandise welcomed the guests. The shop has distinct areas dedicated to Official Ajax Adidas range, official Ajax range of fan-wear, the URBAN WARRIOR range and a display of Ajax African-Art.

What an evening Greek Warriors, famous faces, great entertainment, the new URBAN WARRIOR range of clothing and the new Ajax Fan Shop. Ajax certainly does not do anything in half-measures and judging by the response from the VIP’s in attendance, the club will need to go into full scale production to keep up with the demand for the Ajax and URBAN WARRIOR range of clothing.

Local Ajax fans will have their first taste of the Ajax Fan Shop from Friday 21 August 2009 when the shop opens for business at 09h00.

Ajax launches new fashion range

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:57:00 +0200

Ajax Fashion Range hits high notes

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:39:00 +0200

A new era has dawned at Ikamva when Ajax Cape Town launched their new leisure clothing range “URBAN WARRIOR” amidst the funky tunes of South Africa’s singing sensations Chad Simon, Jarrad Rickett and the lights, camera, action of fashion models on the ramp.

Guests were greeted by the battle cry of Greek Warriors who lined the stairs leading to the Ajax Lounge. There was a buzz of expectancy as guests mingled with the Ajax PSL team and staff. Journalist jockeyed for interviews and TV cameras roved the area for famous faces.
The doors to the Ajax restaurant open and the guest filed in. The restaurant was transformed, draped in white with a fashion ramp, lighting and an audio-visual second to none.

Soon it was time to start the show and the MC of the evening Suga welcomed all and introduced George Comitis the Ajax CEO. He opened the show saying “We have achieved much in our short history and tonight we are about to witness the next chapter.

In true Ajax spirit we thought it was time to look at what we are doing professionally off the field. The business of football extends from the field and the very fact that we can host an evening of this magnitude is due to the tremendous support of our sponsors.

From what we are about to unveil here tonight, please take it as Ajax showing our supporters, sponsors and media the very best of Ajax and the very best of football in South Africa.

The fashion show started with models and Ajax players parading the entire range of new Ajax Cape Town Adidas kit, the Adidas range of fan-wear and the official Ajax range of fan-wear.

Then the lights dimmed and as the music reached a crescendo Ajax unveiled their new range of Leisure Wear designed by Rocketfuel. The models strutted their stuff to the applause of the crowd and each item was greeted with exclamations of approval by the players and guests.
The evening did not end there, all the guests were asked to come outside to witness Kjetil Siem - PSL CEO cut the ribbon to officially open the Ajax Fan Shop. Mt Siem said, Whenever I am at Ikamva I am greeted with a special welcome and that is evident in the professional way they go about their business here. Now I am about to be a part of that Ajax history as the person honoured to cut the ribbon here tonight so without further delay I declare the Ajax Fan Shop OPEN.
Guests were asked to display some form of restraint as the Fan Shop could not contain the entire guest list at one time.

Once inside a wide array of Ajax merchandise welcomed the guests. The shop has distinct areas dedicated to Official Ajax Adidas range, official Ajax range of fan-wear, the URBAN WARRIOR range and a display of Afri-Art.

What an evening Greek Warriors, famous faces, great entertainment, the new URBAN WARRIOR range of clothing and the new Ajax Fan Shop. Ajax certainly does not do anything in half-measures and judging by the response from the VIP’s in attendance, the club will need to go into full scale production to keep up with the demand for the Ajax and URBAN WARRIOR range of clothing.

Local Ajax fans will have their first taste of the Ajax Fan Shop from Friday 21 August 2009 when the shop opens for business at 09h00.

Ajax pays the price

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:28:00 +0200

The furore around the damage to Newlands Rugby Stadium by unruly fans during the Ajax Cape town vs Kaizer Chiefs first leg MTN8 semi-final has reached fever pitch.

George Comitis the Ajax Cape Town CEO said, We have met with Western Province Rugby at Newlands Stadium earlier today and have undertaken to pay for the damage to the Stadium caused by the fans during the MTN8 semi-0final first leg between Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town.

Once we receive the bill for the damage we will reimburse WP and then submit our costs for the damage to the PSL as they hosted the game on behalf of the competition sponsors.

We have received the assurances of WP rugby that we will continue to play our home games at the Newlands Rugby Stadium.

We will wait on the PSL for their report on the incident before we release any further statements.

We aim to be more prepared for incidences such as this in order to pre vent a repeat, concluded Comitis.

Ajax wins over Japan

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:21:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town has won over local fans in Japan that attended the Balcom BMW Hiroshima International Youth Tournament.

Word from Japan is that the Urban Warriors enjoyed a successful tournament on and off the field as the fanatical Japanese fans crowded the Ajax players where ever they went, from the hotel staff to people on the street the players attracted attention usually reserved for celebrities.

One youngster even convinced his mum to take to the tournament just to see Ajax Cape Town where he met some players. They presented him with an Ajax pennant and he proudly displayed his trophy at the tournament prompting his mother to write to Ikamva thanking the club for the gesture of kindness shown by their players while on tour.

Here is the original e-mail from Japan
From: 浅田茂
Sent: August 2009 04:31 AM
To: Ajax Cape Town
Subject: Thank you very much.

Dear, Ajax Cape Town
Hi my name is Shigeru Asada.
My son's name is Kouki. He loves soccer.
We families watched the game of Ajax Cape Town in Kobe Japan yesterday.
We enjoyed it very much.
Moreover, after the game had ended, He got the pennant of Ajax Cape Town.
Kouki is very pleased.
This pennant is his treasure. Thank you very much. Hereafter, it will look forward to your goings-on. Thank you.

親愛なるアヤックスケープタウンの皆さん
はじめまして浅田茂と申します。息子の名前は光輝です。光輝は
サッカーが大好きです。
昨日、私達家族は日本の神戸でアヤックスケープタウンの試合を
観戦しました。
私達は大変楽しませて頂きました。
その上、試合終了後にアヤックスケープタウンのペナントを頂き
ました。本当にありがとうございました。
光輝がとても喜んでいます。このペナントは息子の宝物です。
これからも皆さんのご活躍を楽しみにしております。
ありがとうございました。

Ajax signs French defender

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:41:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce the signing of Derek Decamps from PD Santa Eulalia on the Balearic Islands, Spain.

George Comitis the Ajax Cape Town CEO said, We have followed-up on our promise to sign quality players from overseas by securing the services of Derek Decamps. He is a defender that can play in any position along the back line.

As you can see from his profile he spent three years at the A.C.Milan Youth Academy before leaving to play for AS Cannes and Aris Thessaloniki Football Club.

Despite is youth he has a wealth of experience and we know he will be an asset to our team, concluded Comitis.”

Derek was born in Cannes, France on May 2, 1985. He heard of Ajax Cape Town from his agent who told him that Ajax would like to see play.

Derek said, I heard of the Ajax interest and decided to travel to Cape Town, South Africa for the trial. From what I experienced at training there is a good team spirit and work ethic at the club. I signed a 2-year contract and look forward to my time here.

His football career is as follows;

Years              Club
1995–1998    A.C. Milan
1998–2005    AS Cannes
2005–2006    Aris F.C.
2006–2007    PAS Giannina
2007–2008    Lorca Deportiva
2008-2009    AD Alcorcón
2009-2009    PD Santa Eulalia

The Ajax supporters inspire us - Evans

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:24:00 +0200

In a Press Conference held at Ikamva today the Ajax Cape Town captain was asked if the large numbers of expected opposition supporters will hamper his game.

In response he said, In no way do large numbers of opposition supporters affect my game; in fact I enjoy playing in front a large crowd irrespective who they support.

At one time the Ajax supporters were outnumbered whenever we played Chiefs or Pirates but times have changed and our players have noticed the growing support for Ajax Cape Town. Now we have a large support base when playing at home.

We have also noticed that the Cape based supporters are travelling long distances to support us when we play away and their numbers continue to grow.

As a player we are always looking to the stands when we play and the growing number of Ajax supporters inspires us to play at a higher level, concluded Evans.

Mfundo flies the coop

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:07:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town would like to announce that the club and player have agreed to the terms offered for Mfundo Shumana by Moroka Swallows. Shumana signed a 3 year deal with Swallows.

George Comitis the Ajax CEO said, “Unfortunately we are losing one of our model players who has been with club since 2000. He started with our U15s and worked his way through the ranks of our Youth Development Academy into the PSL team.

Mfundo is a true Ajax player who has always shown great potential. He went to Amsterdam twice for trails at the Dutch clubs request. Unfortunately no contract materialised.

With the abundance of midfielders at Ajax Cape Town at this present moment we felt that we were able to release a player of his quality and give him an opportunity to prosper further in his career.

We, at Ajax Cape Town would like to wish him well and we are confident that he will weave his magic at his new club. Mfundo will always be part of the ACT family as he is one of our local boys from the township.

We look forward to seeing him on the field of play once again, concluded George Comitis.

Home advantage boosts Ajax ahead of MTN8 semi.

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:55:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town plays Kaizer Chiefs at home, Newlands Stadium in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final on Saturday August 15 2009; the game starts at 20h15.

The scene is set for an enthralling affair as both teams play exciting attacking football and each team has players capable of changing the tempo and the course of the game.

Muhsin Ertugral the Ajax Cape Town Head Coach alluded to this during the open media day at Ikamva today. He said, I am confident ahead of this game. I know both teams and I can say that we have the ability to beat Chiefs. Make no mistake Chiefs are a skilful team however I believe this will be their downfall. I know my players are looking forward to this game and they are motivated to do well at home.

I have identified areas of our play that needs improvement and we have worked at them throughout the week. We have players who are the best in their respective positions within South Africa and a host of talented youngsters make up our team. In our captain Brett Evans I believe we have the best wing-back in the country and young Thulani Serero is a revelation since his debut in the PSL last January.

We work as a unit going forward as well as defending and we aim to use this to our advantage especially as we are playing at home.
I will be happy if we score and win however a scoreless draw will also be beneficial to our team, concluded Ertugral.

This game is an all ticket affair and supporters are urged not to come to the Stadium without a ticket. Tickets are available from Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers. The prices are as follows Main Grand Stand - R25, Railway Stand – R20, Jan Pickard Stand – R20, Danie Craven Stand – R 20 and R10 for the youth.

Ajax lose season opener

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:26:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town lost their season opener against Orlando Pirates when Benson Mhlongo stole in at the far post four minutes after the restart.
The game started with Ajax on the attack in search of an early goal.

Their play almost paid off as Thulani Serero missed a sitter when he misjudged the flight of the ball with the Pirates keeper stranded out of position. The game swung from and to end as both teams played flowing attacking football to the delight of the more than 20 00 fans who packed the stadium.

Pirates had their first scoring opportunity in the 15th minute when Mhlongo his volley flew wide of the target.

Both teams traded punches but could not add to the score line.

For Ajax Dipsy Selolwane, Serero and Hlatshwayo found their efforts foiled. For Pirates Mthembu, Jali and Mashego failed to find the target.
Late in the second half Jali clipped the heels of Franklin Cale however all the Ajax appeals were turned down by the match official. Then Moeneeb Josephs made a great save off a Lance Davids scorcher to deny the Urban Warriors a share of the points.

Ajax plays Free State Stars in their second league game of the season on August 19, 2009 at the Goble Park.

Ajax double signing

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 23:35:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce the double signing of Mohammed Diallo and Aboubacar Fofana, two players who have a wealth of experience in European football.

Diallo is an offensive midfielder and played for Beveren (Belgium), Maccabi Petach Tikva (Israel), Swiss clubs Sion and Chiasso.
Diallo is an Ivorian who was about to move to a top club in Turkey before he was invited to play for Ajax during their European tour last month.

The other signing is Aboubacar Fofana. He stands at 1.82m and plays as a striker. This Guinean also played in Belgium with Lokeren, Namur and Club Liège. He last played for the Slovakian side Banská Bystrica.

George Comitis the Ajax CEO said, After our disappointment with the performances of foreign contingent last season we were and are committed to signing foreign players who have the capacity to contribute on match day. We put in a lot of effort to find the right players and we cast our net far and wide in Africa and Europe.
Another possible signing is expected to arrive next week in Latvian international Deniss Ivanovs. He will make the trip to Cape Town after he represents his national team against Bulgaria on Wednesday 12 August 2009.

Eduardo drops the ball

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:51:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town would like to announce that that the Eduardo Ferreira deal between Ajax Cape Town and Mamelodi Sundowns has been called off.

The principle of the deal agreed, was that Ferreira would represent Ajax Cape Town until the end of 2009 and move to Sundowns in January 2010.

George Comitis the Ajax Cape Town CEO said, “Unfortunately Eduardo Ferreira’s part of the deal was to simply continue to play for Ajax Cape Town until January when the deal with Sundowns would be activated.

We have decided to call off the deal after Eduardo Ferreira failed to report for training from the day that the deal was concluded. Ajax Cape Town will have no option but to exercise their contractual agreement with the player and suspend him until further notice.”

Ajax Cape Town starts 2009 against Pirates

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:27:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town starts their 2009-2010 campaign against Orlando Pirates at Coca Cola Park on Wednesday 5 August 2009 in the richest cup competition in Southern Africa the MTN8. The game starts at 19h30.

Despite losing the services of Khenyeza up front Carelse and October at the back Muhsin Ertugral the Ajax Coach is confident that his players have the edge coming into this game. He said I know we lost key players ahead of the new season however our preparations have gone very well. Our tour to the Netherlands has stood us in good stead and a number of players have put their hands up to be included in the starting line-up. Vilikazi scored three goals in five games during the tour and once again goals are coming from our offensive midfield.
I consider Pirates favourites in all competitions but we have their measure and they can expect a tough game from Ajax. The players enjoy playing against teams like Pirates and this is the perfect match to start the new season on a positive note concluded Ertugral.

The Urban Warriors have made some key signings to offset the loss of those aforementioned players. The acquisition of Diyo Sibisi, Hans Vonk and Lance Davids has ensured that Ajax remain competitive and the promise of more signings is certainly the tonic needed for the current players in the squad to lift their game in order to secure a first eleven berth.

Ajax Cape Town is looking forward to this game as they have had the beating of Pirates in their last two encounters even tough the pundits gave the Urban Warriors no chance last season. Once again the opportunity presents itself for the Warriors from the South to continue their raid on the silverware on offer.

Determined to be the LAST MAN (team) STANDING Ajax Cape Town will relish another successful cup run to start the new season on a positive note.

Ajax off to Japan

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:20:00 +0200

In line with the policy to send their youth teams to Europe or America to compete against top opposition thereby gauging the progress of the players at Ikamva Ajax Cape Town accepted an invitation from the Hiroshima Football Association Japan to participate in the Balcom BMW Hiroshima International Youth Tournament.

This tournament is considered to be a symbol of an international exchange experience for the participating players since Hiroshima is known as the City of Peace since the end of World War II.

The Ajax Cape Town U17 team leaves on August 04 2009 as one of only two foreign teams invited to play in this four team tournament. Other participating teams are the Hiroshima High School Select Team, Chivas and Sanfreche Hiroshima.

The Urban Warriors will play two friendlies during their time in Japan against Cerezo Osaka and FC Amitie. The Ajax Cape Town coaches will also participate in coaching clinics planned by the tournament organizers for children at the Hiroshima Big Arch Stadium.

Included in the Ajax team are a number of players that won the Engen Knockout Challenge in July. The team will be captained by Toriq Losper who won the Player of the Tournament award in the Knockout Challenge. Also included in the side are Isma-eel Stansfield, Taariq Fielies, Bantu Mzwakali and Travis Graham.

Ertugral keen on foreign deals

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:52:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town had a few foreign players featuring for them in their tour to Holland recently and if Muhsin Ertugral has his way he would will sign all four of them.

Those who featured were Mohammed Diallo from the Ivory Coast, Brazilians Diego Dos Santos and Wilhelm Ferreira, Latvian defender Dennis Ivanovs and Guinean striker Aboubacar Fofana, who scored a hat-trick when Ajax beat an amateur side 9-0.

The Turkish coach was impressed with the quartet and is keen on adding them to his squad.

"I only have the Brazilian, Eduardo Ferreira, as the foreign player in my team at the moment, which means I can still add four foreign players," he told Football365.co.za.

"I was very impressed with all the foreigners on trial with us and I think they are all exciting. I'm waiting for the CEO George Comitis to return from Greece, so we can look at a few possibilities."

Ertugral added Fofana in particular make his mark.

"Fofana is an exceptional player and we will be very excited if we can get him."

"Don't forget we also had Archieford Gutu from Zimbabwe, but he is still very young at 17 and probably, we might loan him out."

Ajax released Frenchman Romain Carbonnier, Cameroonian midfielder Eric Biseer, Ghanaian midfielder Joseph Masel and Nigerian striker Tasiu Mohammed, hence the four spaces Ertugral is talking about.

Ajax signs Bafana midfielder

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:40:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce the signing of Lance Davids.
The Urban Warriors, keen to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season secured the services of the Bafana midfielder on a two year contract.

Davids played for Supersport last season on a short term contract and Ajax Cape Town secured his services after a trail with Newcastle FC fell through after the player fell ill during his trial period.

Now a free agent Davids joins the Urban Warriors with view to challenge for honours again this year and to catch the eye of the national selectors ahead of the 2010 World Cup to add to his 16 Bafana caps.

Lance started his football career at Parkhurst Ambassadors FC in the Mitchells Plain area before moving to the Hellenic Youth Academy until 2001. He also played for 1860 Munich (Germany, 2001 – 2005), Djurgårdens IF (Sweden, 2006 – 2009) and Supersport (2009).
He made his international debut at the age of 18 as a substitute in a 1-0 win over Australia in 2004.

Davids is a versatile player capable of playing on either flank in the midfield as well as the right back berth in defence.

George Comitis the Ajax Cape Town CEO said, We have promised to strengthen our squad with quality players ahead of the new season and we are delighted to secure the signature of Lance Davids. He has a lot of experience and he will be an asset to our team.

Ajax responds to the Khubeka incident

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:38:00 +0200

Press Release
For Immediate Release
31 July 2009

Ajax Cape Town would like to release the following statement with regards to the Nhlanhla Khubeka incident that occurred at Ikamva on July 30, 2009;

“We are very disappointed about the incidents that have happened surrounding Nhlanhla Khubeka at Ikamva on Wednesday.
Our disappointment is not only limited to the incident itself, but also to the reaction of the player who made his grievances public giving his side of the story. The player did not attempt to follow the correct procedures within the infra-structure of Ajax Cape Town.
We have a fair and well documented process in conjunction with the labour relations act that needs to be followed should any player or staff member at Ajax Cape Town have a grievance. These matters are then handled internally as per our Company Policy.”

Issued By: Mark Meyer
Media and Communications, Ajax Cape Town
Match/Club Comment Contact: Shooz Mekuto,
Ajax Cape Town PRO
Ph: (021) 930 6001
Ajax Cape Town
(021) 930 6001

Retreat/Grassy Park Supporters Branch blast off

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:19:00 +0200

The Ajax Cape Town is set to launch an Official Ajax Cape Town Supporters Branch in the Grassy Park/Retreat area this weekend.
As the numbers of Ajax supporters continue to grow the club is extending its reach via the official Supporters Branches established throughout the Western Cape and the rest of the country.

Shooz Mekuto the Ajax PRO said, We are excited by the continuous growth of our official Supporters Branches since our inception 10 years ago. Our Supporters numbers increased dramatically over the last few seasons and we have established supporter branches as far as Maritzburg, Toekomsrus, Durban, Florida, Eden Park Pretoria and Westbury in Johannesburg.

In the Western Cape official supporter branches are established in areas like Elsies River, Manenberg, Delft, Hanover Park, Heideveld, Gugulethu, Langa and Strand to name a few.

Friday July 31, 2009 will see the launch of the Retreat/Grassy Park Supporters Branch at the Retreat hotel hall from 20h00(8PM) till late and the launch will include a Karaoke evening at R20 a-head.

Registration forms will be available throughout the evening at the function and the registration fee is R80 per person.

Ajax Cape Town won through to the knock

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:17:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town won through to the knock-out stage of the Engen Knock-Out Challenge despite being held to a 0-0 draw with Vasco in their third and final match in the first days play.

The day did not start too well for the Urban Warriors as they slumped to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Old Mutual, however they rallied back to beat Greenwood Athletic 2-0. Tomorrow Ajax plays Bothasig FC at 09h30 after they came second in their group.

The Urban Warriors bounced back from a 1-0 defeat in the first game of the 2009 U17 Engen Knockout Challenge to lift the Championship trophy by the end of the tournament.

Ajax Cape Town beat Bothasig 3 – 1 in the quarter-finals to set up a semi-final against arch rivals Santos. This game was played at a hectic pace and drew a large spectator support. Ajax ran out 2-0 winners to qualify for the final.

The final was replay of the first round game between Ajax and Old Mutual however this time it was Ajax Cape Town who ran out winners. A goal by Isma-eel Stansfield 20 minutes into the second half was enough to ensure that Ajax Cape Town lifted the 2009 Engen Knockout Challenge Champion for the second year in succession.

Taariq Fielies was awarded the Defender of the Tournament Award and Toriq Losper won the Player of the Tournament Award.

Ajax Cape Towns results from the first round read as follows; Ajax Cape Town 0 – 1 Old Mutual; Greenwood Athletic 0 – 2 Ajax Cape Town; Vasco Da Gama 0 – 0 Ajax Cape Town.

Ajax look to Vieri and Davids

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:36:00 +0200

By Liam Moses

Ajax Cape Town have signalled their intentions for the coming Premier Soccer League (PSL) season by embarking on an ambitious player recruitment drive.

The Cape Town club has made offers to former Italian international striker Christian Vieri, as well as former Ajax Amsterdam and Netherlands midfielder Edgar Davids.

Urban Warriors spokesperson Shooz Mekuto confirmed that the club missed out on securing the signatures of the former Italian Serie A stars saying: 'We were interested in signing Vieri and we made an offer but he received a better offer from Blackburn Rovers and he is currently training with them.'

"It's a similar story with Edgar Davids," said Mekuto. "We offered him a contract but he declined and we understand that he is talking to clubs in Hong Kong and Dubai."

Ajax had a disappointing end to the 2008/2009 season, finishing in seventh place after leading the PSL log after the first round of matches. The slump in the second half of the season led to coach Craig Rosslee being shown the door in May, after a period of uncertainty and media speculation.

The appointment of Muhsin Ertugral as Rosslee's replacement had an immediate - although negative - impact on the club, with top goal- scorer Mabhudi Khenyeza keeping the promise he made after leaving Kaizer Chiefs, by refusing to work with Ertugral. Khenyeza, who scored 24 goals in all competitions last season, fell out with Ertugral while the pair were at Chiefs, complaining that he was insulted by the Turkish coach.

The striker recently had an unsuccessful trial with Dutch side FC Twente, the Eredivisie club who signed Bafana Bafana star Bernard Parker after his eye-catching performances at the recent Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Meanwhile Mamelodi Sundowns' chief scout, former Bafana Bafana coach Trott Moloto, has confirmed that the Brazilians are interested in Khenyeza but that negotiations were still at a preliminary stage.

However, Khenyeza's business manager Glyn Binkin has stated that an overseas club is still the player's preferred destination.

In the meantime Ajax have beefed up their squad to ensure they will be able to handle next season's compressed fixture schedule (due to the World Cup) by signing six new players and promoting four players from the youth academy to the senior team.

The new off-season signings are Thomrick October, Eric Biseer, Tasiu Mohammed, Sean Roberts, Nhlanhla Kubeka and Martin Carelse.

The World Cup means that the entire domestic season is crammed into less than seven months, and Ajax will need strength in depth if they want to challenge for the league title this season.

Ajax returned from a pre-season tour of Holland during which they won three of five matches, including a 2-0 victory over Eredivisie side Willem II.

This article was originally published on page 20 of Cape Argus on July 22, 2009

Stars land Carelse from Ajax

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:13:00 +0200

Free State Stars have signed defender Martin Carelse from Ajax Cape Town on a two-year deal.

The former School of Excellence and AmaZulu player says he is relishing the opportunity of regular first-team football.

“I’m glad that I will be playing in the Free State and I want to help the team as much as I can. They have showed trust in me and I will repay them by being loyal to them as well,” he tells Kick Off.com.

Stars General Manager Rantsi Mokoena is equally excited about the new partnership.

“In Carelse we have experienced player who will come vital to the team. We are happy that we are building a strong team for the season ahead.”

Carelse becomes the second player to leave Ajax in two days following Mabhuti Khenyeza’s transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns yesterday.

CARELSE TIES UP 3-YEAR DEAL WITH AJAX
Posted: 2008-07-23 22:23
Former AmaZulu defender Martin Carelse has completed a three-year move to Ajax Cape Town that paves way for the departure of DR Congo defender Dikulu Bageta to Maritzburg United.
Carelse has been training with Ajax in their pre-season preparations after revealing to KickOff.com last month that he was not interested in renewing his contract with Usuthu.

The 27-year-old was part of the Ajax squad that played in the Kimberley Invitation after proving his qualities in earlier friendly games.

Carelse confirmed to KickOff.com that he had signed for Ajax after a week of training.

Carelse went through a frustrating spell at AmaZulu last season, struggling with injury before being sidelined after his recovery.

The previous season the Alberton-born defender had captained the team to survival via the dreaded play-offs.

Carelse made his PSL debut in 2002 at Kaizer Chiefs after joining from Sporting FC, but then quickly moved to Dynamos where he established himself.

Carelse has been assigned to a central defence position, where he is expected to partner Brazilian Eduardo Ferreira.

Bageta’s move to Maritzburg is close to confirmation with Ajax boss John Comitis expected to give his blessings to the offer that has been tabled by the PSL returnees.

Bageta, meanwhile, continues to train with Ajax while awaiting Comitis’ return from abroad.

Benjamin Nyirenda
Martin Carelse has completed his transfer to Free State Stars late today.

John Comitis the Ajax Cape Town chairman said, We would like thank Martin for his contribution in the success of Ajax during his time at the club.

However the return of Mario Booysen from his loan period at Bloemfontein Celtic was factor in Carelse being placed on the transfer list this season, said Comitis

Carelse arrived at Ikamva from Amazulu and went on to help the club land the Telkom Knock Out trophy and the Old Mutual Manguang Cup fulfilling his desire to win trophies in his first season with Ajax Cape Town.

Free State Stars signed Carelse on a two-year deal.

Ajax Cape Town proved too strong for Nivo

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:22:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town proved too strong for Nivo-Sparta when they beat the home side 9-0 in their penultimate game of the Urban Warriors European Tour.

Ajax Cape Town outplayed Nivo-Sparta on all fronts as their strikers ran rampant over the Dutch side. The Ajax players were faster to the ball and more aggressive than Nivo-Sparta from the start of the game.

The Urban Warriors combined well as a unit and this was apparent on the consistency of their play as the goals hit the back of the net with a rhythmic tempo.

Trialist W Ferreira and Fofana scored five goals between them with Fofana scoring a hat-trick within 10 minutes. Fofana scored his first goal in the 16th minute of the first half after W Ferreira scored his brace in the 7th and 15th minutes.

By the half time break Ajax Cape Town were leading 5-0.

Ajax Cape Town continued where they left off in the first have as they added four more goals Eduardo Ferreira, Dipsy Selolwane (2) and Mfundo Shumana to complete the rout.

Scorers: W. Ferreira 0-1; 7. W. Ferreira 0-2; 15. Fofana 0-3; 16. Fofana 0-4; 21. Fofana 0-5; 25. E. Ferreira 0-6; 53. Selolwane 0-7; 70. Shumana 0-8; 87. Selolwane 0-9 (pen.)

Ajax Cape Town plays De Graafschap on Sunday 12 July 2009, before they return home to prepare for their 2009 – 2010 PSL season.

Ajax Cape Town tour game 2

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:29:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town made sure they vented their fury after yesterday’s 3-2 loss to Ajax Amsterdam by thumping Warnveld - a local amateur club, 5-0 on Sunday.

Under the uncharacteristically hot Holland sun, the South African team made sure they did not give these boys from the lower ranks space to breath.

They played with more purpose against this invitational side and went into the half-time break with a 3-0 lead. Goals by Dipsy Selolwane, Sifiso Vilakazi, George Menougong’s brace and an own goal by the home side were enough to seal victory for the Urban Warriors.
Ajax’s Mfundo Shumana, who was rested yesterday against the European giant due to a niggling ankle injury, was the source of creation for Vilakazi’s and Selolwane’s goals in the first half.
It was his cross that Vilakazi tapped in to give Muhsin Ertugral’s men the lead, while Selolwane’s goal was a cracker.

Shumana weaved his way past two defenders after neat interchanging passes with Vilakazi. The dreadlocked midfielder set up the Botswana international on the edge of the big box and he made no mistake with a rasping drive.

Cameroonian Menougong, who is on trial with the SA team scored from outside 18 area the in the second half after turning a defender inside out while his second was a header from a cross by Nhlanhla Kubeka.

Despite his good showing, it is believed that the forward is not the type of player Ertugral is looking for to fortify his attacking force.
Seasoned goalkeeper Hans Vonk, who started against the Dutch giants yesterday, made way for Andre Petim who was hardly tested in the one-sided affair.

The Cape Town team plays again on Wednesday against Eeredevisie (Dutch First Division) side Willem II in Tilburg.

Ajax Cape Town easily won the second match of their Dutch tour after they beat amateurs Warnveld 5-0 on Sunday.

The game featured most of the players who did not turn out for the Urban Warriors in their 3-2 defeat to Ajax Amsterdam the day before.

The goals came via Cameroon trialist George Menougong, who netted a brace, Botswana veteran Dipsy Selolwane, Sifiso Vilakazi and an own goal.

Vilakazi, who also netted twice against the Amsterdamers, has been the stand-out player on tour so far, as the Cape Town look for a striker to replace the departed Mabhuti Khenyeza.

The team face Eredivisie side Willem II next up on Wednesday.

Makalakes loaned out to Celtic

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:01:00 +0200

Mkhanyiseli Siwahla is on the move as he joins Bloemfontein Celtic on loan for the season.

Makalakes as he is known to the fans hopes to gain more playing time after a frustrating season that saw him coming off the bench for most of last season due to the fine performances of Sameehg Doutie and Franklin Cale on the Ajax wings.

A product of the Ajax Youth Development Academy Makalakes enjoyed many successful years at Ikamva winning titles at youth and senior levels. His honours with Ajax Cape Town include the Metropolitan Premier Cup, 2007 ABSA Cup, 2007+2008 Old Mutual Mangaung Cup and the 2008 Telkom Knock-Out Championship.
He was also capped at U17, U20 and U23 levels for South Africa.
Ajax Cape Town wishes him well for the coming season.

Ajax PSL side off to Europe

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:38:00 +0200

Pre-season training for Ajax Cape Town has reached new levels with the Urban Warriors leaving for a two week - five game tour of the Netherlands.

This is the first time that Ajax will travel abroad for their pre-season camp. The players are motivated about the upcoming tour as it will give them an opportunity to play against top local opposition. Franklin Cale said, I am looking forward to this tour as we will be able to test our abilities against the players in Holland.

Nhlanhla Shabalala echoed Cales sentiments and said, Although this will be my fifth trip to Holland I am looking forward to being part of a squad of players making the trip. The last time we played against Ajax Amsterdam we beat them 3-1 at the Athlone Stadium, now we will play them at their home ground. We expect a tough game but I believe we are up for the challenge.

The Ajax players will come up against their former team mate Eyong Enoh and they can expect to meet Daylon Claasen while in Amsterdam.

Ajax Cape Town leave South Africa on Wednesday 01 July 2009 and on their arrival in Amsterdam they will immediately set about training for their first game of their tour against Ajax Amsterdam on Saturday July 04, 2009.

The Urban Warriors will also play against Warnsfeld F.C., Wilhelm 2, Sparta F.C. and De Graafshap.

Four European players will join the Ajax Cape Town squad during this tour, however their identities is shrouded in mystery.

This pre-season tour will enable the Urban Warriors technical team the opportunity to see how their players respond to the challenge of playing against unknown opposition in a foreign environment.

Shooz Mekuto then Ajax Cape Town PRO said, Our technical team and players are upbeat about this tour. Playing and training in Holland will give them a chance to evaluate their squad out of the glare of the local media.

We face a very important season ahead of the 2010 South African World Cup and what better way than to prepare with games against top foreign opposition. Our team returns on 14 July 2009 and by that time we will know what is required to challenge for honours in the new season.

The tour fixture-list is;

Saturday 04 July 2009, Ajax Amsterdam vs Ajax Cape Town
Sunday 05 July 2009, Warnsfeld F.C. vs. Ajax Cape Town
Wednesday 08 July 2009, Wilhelm 2 vs. Ajax Cape Town
Friday 10 July 2009, Sparta FC vs Ajax Cape Town
Sunday 12 July 2009, De Graafshap vs. Ajax Cape Town

Cale extends his stay at Ikamva.

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:15:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce that Franklin Cale has extended his stay at Ikamva when he agreed to a new three-year deal that will keep him with the Urban Warriors until 2012.

A number of clubs chased after his signature but Cale ended all speculation about a possible move from Ajax by signing a new contract.

Cale, a product of the Ajax Cape Town Youth Academy and arrived at Ikamva as part of a visiting team to play a friendly, by half time he was asked to return to Ikamva the next day to attend his first Ajax training session. The rest as they is history.

Franklin bust onto the scene with his powerful physique giving him the edge against bigger and more experienced opponents. He packs a powerful shot in both feet; his speed off the mark and close ball control at speed leaves his marker chasing shadows.

His performances attracted a host of PSL clubs and he was rewarded with a Bafana call-up. Cale was awarded the ABSA Premiership Player of the Month of December. He also won the Midfielder of Tournament Award for the Telkom Knock-Out; however his crowning glory was winning the Player of the Tournament Award for the Telkom Knock-Out ahead of some big names in the PSL.

Franklin was part of the Ajax Cape Town teams that won the 2005 Metropolitan Premier Cup, the 2006 Ajax Challenge (Ajax Cape Town beat Ajax Amsterdam 3-1), the 2007 ABSA Cup, the 2007+2008 Old Mutual Manguang Cup and last but not least the 2008 Telkom Knock-Out Championship.

Coaching Clinics kicks-Off

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:07:00 +0200

More than 60 excited young football fanatics started their first day of the Ajax Caper Town holiday coaching clinics.

They arrived with parents on tow to register for the coaching clinics. To their surprise the Ajax professional team were at breakfast and the boys stared in awe at the players, pointing out their favourites.

The boys were shown to their dressing rooms after an address by Riyaad Khan who heads-up these coaching clinics, assisted by coaches drawn in from the Ajax Community Scheme now that school holidays have started.

Players were kitted and then they made their way to the field where they were divided into groups based on age and size. The coaches put the boys through their drills and they enjoyed the dribbling and shooting, trying to emulate their heroes as seen on TV.

Proud parents watched from the side-lines as the players hustled and tackled for the ball.

The Ajax Cape Town holiday coaching clinics are popular with many boys returning each school holiday to enjoy an Ajax experience. The numbers have also grown over the past years from expecting 15 boys per clinic the events team at Ikamva now have an average of 55 boys per coaching clinic.

The popularity of the clinic is widespread as the children come from all the corners of the Cape Peninsular. Riyaad Khan the clinic coordinator said, This clinic is proving to be very popular amongst the kids and their parents. The children are in a safe environment and they enjoy mingling with the PSL players. We aim to ensure that they enjoy themselves while putting them trough some football drills and the boys have responded with eager anticipation.”

Ajax face Pirates in first game

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:13:00 +0200

The Confederation Cup is one game away from deciding the Championship destination and already preparations for the new season are well underway at Ikamva the home of Ajax Cape Town. The players are back at training and from the side-lines they are raring to start their first game of the 2009/2010 season.

With a new head coach at the helm, the players are putting extra effort into their sessions to impress the new boss. The training sessions are strenuous however consideration is taken into the conditions after the second storm hit the Cape Peninsular.

Dipping temperatures and wet windy conditions hampered the Ajax training camp and the team was forced to return to Ikamva for their training sessions. The newly-installed artificial turf rpvided a perfect surface to train on in these conditions as the turf looked pristine despite the looming storm.

The Ajax PRO Shooz Mekhuto said, The decision to install this turf was a masterstroke as the recent weather conditions forced the cancellation of a number of football games across the Cape in recent weeks. Although the tyurf is not 100 percent ready we are able to use it for training and our PSL side have made good use of the turf so far.

Ajax Cape Town will face Orlando Pirates in their first league fixture.

Mabhudi set to go

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:01:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town has announced that their leading striker Mabhudi Khenyeza is set for a move overseas. Khenyeza scored 24 goals across all competitions for the Urban Warriors last season and as a result his goals propelled Ajax to a Telkom Knock-Out Championship victory.

George Comitis the Ajax CEO said, We are resigned to the fact that we are set to lose the services of Mabhudi Khenyeza. Despite great interest from local clubs he is set for an overseas transfer with a Scandinavian team a most likely destination.

However there have been enquiries from Maccabi Haifa and his agent Rob Moore is hard at work to make Khenyeza’s dream to play overseas a reality.

We have always said that when Khenyeza moves it will be an international transfer as we belive that he has the ability to succeed at a higher level.

We hope to conclude all agreements regarding the possible transfer in the next week or two, concluded Comitis.

Roger Links

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:12:00 +0200

Ajax Cape Town is pleased to announce the appointment of Roger Links as the second assistant coach of the Ajax PSL team.

Roger coached the Ajax U19 team for the last two years. During his stint as the U19 Ajax coach his team won the League and Knock-Out in the Cape Town Tygerberg Football Association and the Metropolitan Premier Cup in 2008.

He has a rich soccer history - he is the son of the local soccer legend Challa Links and he is a Western Cape 2010 World Cup Ambassador.
Roger started his football career at Yorkshire Football Club at the Cape District Football Association, Proteas cricketer Hershelle Gibbs also played his football at the club.

Links then moved to Battswood Football Club (amateur) where he amassed a number of titles playing alongside the likes of Vincent Barnes (the assistant South African cricket coach), Cliffie Davids, Ian Southgate and Adeeb Abrahams (a 2010 World Cup Ambassador). Top of the list was the Western Province Football Board Virginia League Championship that Battswood won from 1984-1987. Links was also part of the squad that won the Federation National Club Championships in 1985, 1987 and 1988.

Battswood turned professional in the South African soccer Federation and the team made an immediate impact. Roger won 1989 league Championship medal and the New Republic Bank Knockout trophy with Battswood in the Federation. In 1989 he was named the Battswood Player of the Year.

He moved from Battswood to Cape Town Spurs and the honours continued to pour in. Links was named the Cape Town Spurs Player of the Year in 1989 and in 1991, the Western Cape NSL Player of the Year in 1990 and the NSL Rookie of the Year in 1991.

Roger also played for Hellenic and Santos and represented Bafana Bafana 12 times.

Links team up with Wilfred Mugeyi in assisting Muhsin Ertugral at the helm of the Ajax Cape Town PSL team.

Roger Links
Tel: 083 410 4987
Clubs: Yorkshire Football Club, Battswood Football Club (amateur). As a professional he played for Battswood in the Federation Professional League, Cape Town Spurs, Hellenic and Santos.
Position: Central defender
Honours: Gained 12 national caps for Bafana Bafana. At amateur level, he won the Western Province Football Board Virginia League Championship with Battswood from 1984-1987. He was also in the Battswood team that garnered the South African Soccer Federation National Club Championships in 1985, 1987 and 1988. In the FPL he won 1989 league title, as well as the New Republic Bank Knockout trophy in the same year. He was named Western Cape NSL Player of the Year in 1990, NSL Rookie of the Year in 1991, Cape Town Spurs Player of the Year in 1991 and Battswood Player of the Year in 1989.

Players return for training

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:10:00 +0200

Ikamva was a hive of activity as the players of the Ajax Cape Town PSL reported for training ahead of the new season.

First to arrive was Brett Evans who said he was looking forward to the new season. While Brett greeted the ground staff Nazeer Allie arrived followed by Franklyn Cale and they too received a warm welcome the Ajax staff. The players lamented the fact that they were unable to sleep late however they were keen to get into the dressing-room to prepare for their first training session.

Soon the remaining players filtered into the dressing room as stories of the vacation destinations did their rounds but the mood changed as the players prepared for their first training session.

The session started with a light warm-up under the instruction of the Ajax fitness coach Craig von Weilligh.

Assistant Ajax PSL coaches, Wilfred Mugeyi and Roger Links put the players through their paces under the watchful eye of Muhsin Ertugral.
At the end of the session Muhsin gathered the players in for a quick word or two before calling an end to the first days session.

The players showered dressed and enjoyed lunch in the Ajax restaurant where groups sat around chatting about their forth coming training camp in the Cape Winelands and a possible pre-season tour to Europe.

Ajax Cape Town is proud to announce the signing of Hans Vonk.

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:26:00 +0200

Hans returns to Ikamva for his second stint at the club after a successful first season in 2006/7 when he lifted the ABSA Cup as the captain of the Urban Warriors

Although his transfer to Ajax Cape Town is subject to the player getting a clearance from Heerenveen in the Netherlands, Hans is positive that the Dutch club would agree to his request.

Vonk said My possible return to the Cape is motivated by the fact that my family is settled here and I would like to spend more time with them. This opportunity to play for Ajax Cape Town could not go unnoticed and I look forward to resuming my playing career in Cape Town.

A South African international goalkeeper, Hans is of Dutch decent and made a name for himself in the Dutch Eredivisie. He started playing for RKC Waalwijk in 1988.

Hans has played for SC Heerenveen from 1996 – 2004 where he made 263 appearances before moving to Ajax Amsterdam.

He moved to Cape Town in 2006 when he signed for Ajax Cape Town and made 51 appearances for the Urban Warriors. He returned to Ajax Amsterdam in 2008 and moved back to Heerenveen in 2009.

Hans represented South Africa as their goalkeeper (43 caps from 1997 – 2005) and as the goalkeeper coach after he retired from international football.

MTN Loyalty Programme rolls-out on Cape Flats

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:57:00 +0200

Throughout the year Ajax Cape Town and MTN have been rolling-out the MTN Loyalty program at various locations around the Cape Peninsula.

Most recently the MTN Loyalty program unveiled at the University of the Western Cape and the Bellville Campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and at the MTN offices at Golf Park, Pinelands.

Last week the program was introduced to the pupils of Nomlinganiselo and the Athlone Primary Schools.

The pupils enjoyed the football fanatix soccer activities like a 5-side competition, an Endurance Challenge and a shoot-and-win competition as the Ajax coaches put the pupils through the soccer drills.

While some children were involved in the football fanatix soccer activities others were introduced to the MTN loyalty programme.
The MTN loyalty programme rewards the Ajax supporters by giving them exclusivity to take part in the loyalty program competitions and to participate in the MTN Football Fanatix Zones outside the Stadium at the Ajax Cape Town home games.

A bi-weekly �Member of the Week� will be announced to win instant prizes i.e. Pick �n Pay shopping vouchers, personalized replica jerseys and other Ajax Cape Town football merchandise.�

Pupils who wished to register were invited to attend the MTN loyalty programme registration centre at the next Ajax home game or at the activation centre�s in their respective areas.

Later that day some pupils waited patiently to join the MTN loyalty programme at the registration centre�s, to get their personalised cards that will afford them the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of this programme.

School Holidays - Ajax Coaching Clinics

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:21:00 +0200

School Holidays = Ajax Coaching Clinics.

Each school holidays Ajax Cape Town hosts coaching clinics for young children fanatical about football. Over the past year we have seen familiar young faces attending each clinic; however their faces mingle easily with new arrivals who hear about these clinics from their friends at school or in their neighbourhood.

During the Easter vacation Riyaad, Fezile and Jabu welcomed over fifty young boys and girls to Ikamva for the coaching clinics. The “old boys,” familiar with the drill waited patiently to be escorted to the dressing room while the “new boys” could not contain their excitement as they peaked through the blinds to look at the gym and walked around the restaurant to view the Ajax football memorabilia adorning the walls like Benni McCarthy’s jerseys or Steven Pienaar Ajax shirt or even the Ajax shirts donated by Aaron Mokoena.

Soon they were dressed and ready for action. Lead by Jabu and Fezile they marched down to the training field where the trainers explained each exercise before the players followed the instructions given.

After two days of football the participants received a gift-pack of football merchandise and a certificate of participation, however the highlight of their days at Ikamva was meeting the Ajax Cape Town PSL players and getting a photo with and/or autograph from the favourite players.

Paulse visits

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:16:00 +0200

Nathan Paulse was a surprise visitor at Ikamva today. The former Ajax Cape town star was in Town visiting family and friends and he made sure that Ikamva was part of his itinerary.

Paulses presence at Ikamva generated enough attention for surprised supporters to get a photo opportunity and an autograph or two. Nathan took it all in his stride and took the time to speak with all the staff and the Ajax supporters.

Playing in his first full season at Hammarby in Sweden and his recent form suggests that he may be ready to score more goals.

Paulse said, I have adapted well to the [pace of the game in Sweden. The European style training methods I received at Ikamva has prepared me well for the game abroad. Hammarby plays a physical but carpet type of football and all the players work hard when we are not in possession of the ball.

I am enjoying my time at Hammarby and the club has a great family atmosphere. I hope that my performances in Sweden attract enough attention from the Bafana technical team as I would like to play for Bafana in the future.

Until then I will work hard and play harder and who knows what the future holds concluded Paulse.