Ajax relishing playing catch-up to rivals Stellenbosch

Five games at home may sway things

Ajax Cape Town defender Sibusiso Khumalo believes they can oust their provincial nemesis Stellenbosch from the summit of the National First Division (NFD).

Since the arrival of Dutch coach Andries Ulderlink, who replaced Muhsin Ertugral in November, Ajax have emerged as one of the favourites to clinch promotion. They are third on the log on 37 points, eight adrift of leaders Stellies.

Starting by hosting inconsistent TS Sporting at Athlone Stadium today (3.30pm), five of Ajax’s remaining matches are at home. On the other hand, Stellenbosch have four home games left, with another four on the road. This gives Khumalo hope they can claim the top spot.

“We have a good chance of finishing top of the log. The new coach has instilled a winning mentality. Every player is willing to fight. Our advantage over Stellenbosch is that most of our remaining games are at home, while theirs are away,’’ Khumalo told Soweto yesterday.

“Imagine if we win all our remaining home game, that’s our aim. However, we are taking each game as it comes. Our focus is on Sporting. They have experienced players [such as utility Katlego Mashego, and keeper Oscarine Masuluke, among others], so we cannot underestimate them.”

Playing in the NFD for the first time in his career, the former Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United defender thinks the second tier has toughened him up as a player.

“NFD is more physical than the Premiership. This league needs you to be fit. I am a tougher now. I am enjoying this new challenge of playing here,” explained the 29-yearold Khumalo.

NFD fixtures (all at 3.30 pm)

Today: Ajax v Sporting, Athlone Stadium.

Tomorrow: Uthongathi v Richards Bay, Princess Magogo Stadium; Spurs v Galaxy Puma Rugby Stadium; Maccabi v AmaTuks, Dobsonville Stadium. Sunday: Mbombela v Tshakhuma, Kanyamazane Stadium; Kings v Stellenbosch, Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium; Cosmos v Eagles, Makhulong Stadium; Ubuntu v Umoya, Athlone Stadium