Ajax in safe hands as Anssi patrols the line
Finnish goalkeeper gives Cape side’s young guns confidence to create
AS much as the exciting young talent is the driving force behind Ajax Cape Town’s sensational resurgence, the reliability of Finnish goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola has been even more significant.
The 28-year-old has been extremely influential since his arrival in the Mother City in 2013. This season, again, he has been the epitome of solidity and calm between the sticks, infusing the young Ajax team with confidence that they need not worry about what’s going on behind them. He has their backs covered.
On Saturday, Ajax are in Chatsworth, Durban, to take on Golden Arrows in the opening round of the Telkom Knockout (3pm) – and, no doubt, the Capetonians will be looking for another match-winning performance from their influential Finnish goalkeeper.
Last weekend, he was particularly inspirational as he single-handedly kept a rampant Kaizer Chiefs at bay during their dominant first half display against Ajax at the Cape Town Stadium. Jaakkola’s heroics, pulling off numerous saves, ensured the Capetonians stayed in the game and they were able to snatch a point in a 1-1 PSL draw with the Soweto giants.
The big Finn has played in his home country, Italy, the Czech Republic and Scotland. He was clubless, though, when recommended to then-Ajax coach Muhsin Ertugral two years ago. Finland coach Mixu Paatelainen is a good friend of Ertugral’s and, when asked about a promising goalkeeper, he suggested Jaakkola.
Jaakkola arrived, Ertugral had a look, was impressed, and the Finn was offered a contract. But, before the keeper put pen to paper, he had a chat to Stuart Baxter about the South African game. Baxter had been Finland’s coach before Paatelainen – and, with his experience of the domestic game, Jaakkola wanted to know whether it was a good move. On Baxter’s advice, the Finn took the plunge and signed for Ajax. And, ever since, he has been the proverbial rock upon which Ajax have turned around their fortunes, culminating in two Cup final appearances over the last few months.
“We had three big games last week,” said Jaakkola, “including the MTN8 final victory over Chiefs. I’m happy that the team is playing well, we just have to keep it up.
“Beating Chiefs in the final last week was a great achievement, especially with this team being so young. But perhaps it will be the first of many. I think the youngsters in the squad are getting better with every game...”
Jaakkola has always maintained that his ambition is to return to play in Europe again. He had come to the Cape to play regularly and to improve his game – he has certainly done both. And, based on his performances, there’s no reason why he cannot succeed in Europe.
As Ajax prepare for Arrows this week, Ajax coach Roger de Sa will definitely have to tweak the squad again. In-form Nathan Paulse is suspended, while Prince Nxumalo’s epilepsy is likely to put him out for quite a while. The striker had a series of tests after a recurrence of his illness last week – and the Cape club is awaiting the results as well as medical advice on the way forward.
In addition, hardworking midfielder Toriq Losper is injured and is likely to be given a break to recuperate. But the great thing about the current Ajax squad is depth – and De Sa has a few options he can turn to for the Cup clash against Arrows.