When Zimbabweans come to the PSL, they come to work
ZIMBABWEAN footballers have a reputation of performing well in the PSL. Yesterday, Ajax Cape Town’s new central defender Eric Chipeta gave some insight as to the cause behind the phenomenon.
Zimbabwean Chipeta, from whom Ajax are expecting much this season, said: “I think, in my opinion, that Zimbabwe has the best talent in southern Africa. So, when we come to the PSL, we come here to work. We strive to do our best, to showcase our ability and, always, always we make sure that we work very hard to achieve our goals.”
As for the elevation of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Billiat (who made his name at Ajax), Chipeta is not surprised at the impact his country-man has had in South Africa.
“I grew up with Khama (Billiat),” added Chipeta. “We have been playing together for Zimbabwe from Under-17. Even now, he is my teammate in the senior national team, and he is one of our big players. What Khama has achieved is not unexpected … as far as I am concerned, he was always destined for greatness.”
Chipeta signed for Ajax from Chippa United. He’s the type of physically-imposing central defender head coach Roger de Sa has always wanted to bring into the team.
As good as the young duo of Rivaldo Coetzee and Abbubaker Mobara (he has since joined Orlando Pirates) have been for the Cape side over the last few seasons, there were times when they were caught out because of their lack of physical presence.
In signing Chipeta, De Sa believes he has solved the problem.
“It’s a good environment here at Ajax,” said the Zimbabwean.
“It’s a big club in Cape Town and the facilities and the players are of good quality. Ajax thrive on producing talented young players and I’m enjoying being at such a great club.
“I picked up a bit of a hamstring problem during pre-season training, but it’s healing well.
“I’m getting there … At the moment, it’s just a case of getting to know and understand my new teammates.”
Chipeta expects Ajax to have a really good PSL season. They kick off with an away fixture next Tuesday against newly-promoted Baroka FC in Polokwane (kickoff 7.30pm).
“As a defender, I have already been preaching to the players that we have to keep clean sheets,” he said.
“My motto is always that strikers win you games, but defenders win titles…”
In addition to Chipeta, Ajax’s new signings include Portuguese striker Joachim Lupeta, Thabo Mosadi, Roscoe Pietersen and Keorapetse Molete.
At the moment, De Sa is also running the rule over two former Orlando Pirates players, Mark Mayambela and Lebohang Mokoena. The duo are on trial, and De Sa and his assistant, Mich d’Avray, still have to make the call on whether the players will be added to the squad.