Key clashes between top players

TODAY’S Nedbank Cup final between Ajax Cape Town and Mamelodi Sundowns at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium involves a number of match-ups between the key performers on each side. Times Media has identified the four key clashes: ý Khama Billiat vs Aidan Jenniker Billiat is brilliant on his day and will be out to prove himself against many of his old teammates at Ajax. The Zimbabwean right winger, on form one of the most dangerous attacking players in the PSL, has blown hot and cold and suffered injuries in the two years since his transfer from the Cape to Pretoria. Left-back Jenniker, one of the “older” heads at 25 of a young Ajax, is one of the unsung heroes of a hugely promising season that has seen Roger de Sa’s babes finish fifth in the league and reach a cup final. The nuggety defender will have some ideas on how to wrap up Billiat, a player he knows well from countless training sessions at Ajax. ý Teko Modise vs Granwald Scott Modise is the leading candidate to be his club’s – and has been nominated to be the PSL’s — player of the season. Ex-Ajax captain Scott received the Ajax player and players’ player of the season awards four days ago. This is set to be a titanic struggle. Scott, a survivor from the golden Ajax generation that finished runners-up on goal difference to Orlando Pirates under Foppe De Haan in 2010-11, has been back to his tireless best in defensive midfield. It will be his job to tie up and out-think Modise, Downs coach Pitso Mosimane’s go-to man at playmaker. ý Tashreeq Morris vs Alje Schut Morris, one of Ajax’s “chickens” at just 21, has been the Urban Warriors’ top scorer, with six goals in the league and nine in all competitions, including three in the Nedbank Cup. These included the header three minutes into injury time that sank Super-Sport United 2-1 in the semifinal. Schut, Downs’ 2014 player of the season leading the Brazilians to the league title, has not played in four matches with a thigh injury but has been battling back and Downs will want their captain and defensive stalwart in their starting XI for the cup final. The Dutchman’s experience gained in 13 seasons for Utrecht in the Eredivisie would be invaluable. ý Keagan Dolly vs Ramahlwe Mphahlele Assuming Schut does make a return next to Thabo Nthethe in Downs’ central defence, Mphahlele would be pushed out to his more natural rightback position. Here the SA U23 international will have to mark future teammate Dolly, who will be playing his last match for Ajax before his move to Sundowns next season. Dolly’s skills were sorely missed and a large part of Ajax losing their form in mid-season, when the left midfielder suffered a toe injury. The player from Westbury, Johannesburg will be out to leave the club with a trophy, while impressing his new employers.