Doutie dreaming of India, but first he must help Ajax

SAMEEHG DOUTIE can’t wait to return to the Indian Super League (ISL), where he is, in his own words, “treated like a king”. The 27-yearold winger is currently on a fivemonth loan spell at former club Ajax Cape Town – but, judging by his enthusiasm when he speaks of his Indian experience, as soon as the PSL campaign is over, he’ll be jetting off to join champions Atlético de Kolkata in India again.

Ajax are in the Limpopo Province today to face Polokwane City in a PSL fixture at the Peter Mokaba Stadium (kick-off 3.30pm) – and Doutie is hoping he can make a contribution to the Cape side turning around what has been a disappointing start to the new year.

In last week’s derby, which Ajax lost 2-0 to neighbours Cape Town City, Doutie came on for the last 20 minutes and added a bit more energy and purpose in attack. Now, he’s looking to build on that.

“I’m just waiting on my opportunity,” he said. “I think the team knows the situation we are in, it’s not good, and we have to bite through. After two losses in a row, this one against Polokwane is a must-win. In football, sometimes it just takes one game to turn things around, and we have to make this that game.”

Doutie’s career started in the famed Ajax youth academy, where he made his way through the junior divisions all the way to the PSL squad. His elevation to bigtime football in the top-flight saw him continue his superb form. His animation on the flanks, pinpoint crossing and dazzling skill eventually landed him a transfer to Orlando Pirates in 2011. He went on to play for SuperSport United and Wits before the opportunity to play in India came along.

“At that stage, I was looking for a new challenge,” said Doutie. “I had won cup trophies with Ajax, Pirates and SuperSport, I wanted to try something different, out of the country. There was an opportunity to play in Europe, but it fell through – so, when the chance to play in India arrived, I thought ‘why not?’

“There is great interest in the ISL. There are footballers from Europe and South America, and all over the world for that matter. Some of the top names involved are Diego Forlan and Florent Malouda, while Brazil’s Zico is one of the coaches. One of my teammates is Helder Postiga (former Portugal striker).

“The football in the ISL is a lot like Europe, in that it is all about organisation and tactics, and team work is essential. In the PSL, I think the game is a lot faster though.

“They draw big crowds in India. You can get up to 60 000 people for a normal league game, while the league title final (Doutie’s team were crowned champions) I played in last season attracted more than 100 000. I love playing in India; they treat me like a king in that place.”

But before Doutie can make his return to the ISL though, he has a job to do at Ajax. It’s a task he’s focused on – all he wants is an opportunity to prove he can inspire the Cape side to move up the PSL log. Hopefully, that chance will arrive against Polokwane today.