Ajax want to stay on victory road
THE celebrations are over, now it’s back to bread and butter issues of Premier Soccer League football for Ajax Cape Town.
After qualifying for the Nedbank Cup final, where they will meet Mamelodi Sundowns in Port Elizabeth on May 16, Ajax are on the road for a tough PSL fixture against Maritzburg United tonight. After which, the Capetonians are in for another difficult away game against inform Bloemfontein Celtic in the Free State on Sunday.
It’s no secret that Ajax’s form on the road has been abysmal. They have only won two away games, definitely not good enough for a team of their qual- ity. It’s something that has baffled head coach Roger de Sa since he took over last year. He’s tried everything, like changing their travel itinerary, staying in different hotels, juggling team selection and more … but it’s had little effect. Away from home, Ajax are just not the same squad, which is why they have been successful in the Cup – they had three home games in a row.
De Sa has maintained that his objective remains a top eight finish. It is in sight, but it could well depend on how they fare in the next two games on the road.
Kaizer Chiefs have already been crowned PSL champions, Mamelodi Sundowns are second on 48 points, Orlando Pirates (45), Wits (45), Bloem Celtic (37), Ajax (37), SuperSport United (35) and Maritzburg (33 points).
With that as the scenario, it’s clear to see why Ajax’s games against Maritzburg tomorrow and Bloem Celtic on Sunday are so crucial.
Despite the spotlight always being aimed at the talented youngsters in the Cape club’s squad, in recent weeks it has been the experienced players who have been vital to the team’s success. On the road
Ajax coach Roger de Sa has a succint answer to fans who wanted Nathan Paulse substituted two weeks ago. “I don’t think they see what Nathan offers the team. When you want to play ugly, Nathan is the perfect man to have,” he said. over the next few days, De Sa will again rely on the wise old heads in the team.
In the Cup semi-final victory over SuperSport United over the weekend, 33-year-old forward Nathan Paulse was the man-ofthe-match after another influential performance. He’s an awkward customer and defences hate playing against him.
“I’m not a young chicken anymore,” said Paulse. “But I enjoy playing with these youngsters, they improving all the time, especially as far as character is concerned.”
Paulse is not everybody’s favourite player. There’s no flash or style to his game – he’s an old-fashioned big target man, who uses his physicality to bring other players into the game. A section of Ajax supporters wanted him substituted two weeks ago, but De Sa was having none of it.
“I don’t think they see what Nathan offers the team,” said the Ajax coach. “Ask any coach in the PSL if he’d rather have Nathan in his team or playing against him? I guarantee they all hate coming up against him, he keeps defenders busy, and that disturbs the opposition’s rhythm.
“When you want to play ugly, Nathan is the perfect man to have …”
And with Ajax likely to be keen to play a little “ugly” in the next two away games, Paulse’s presence is going to be crucial.”