Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Mid-term signings give Ajax a massive confidence boost
THE new faces Muhsin Ertugral has added to the Ajax Cape Town squad have very quickly breathed new life into the beleaguered Cape club.
Since the arrival of the 58-year-old Turkish-born coach for his fourth spell at the club, there has been steady improvement, with it all culminating in a resounding 3-0 victory over Orlando Pirates at the Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday night.
Now, though, it’s a matter of consistency as Ajax take on Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 3.30pm).
Ertugral has encyclopaedic knowledge of players in the PSL, having worked in South Africa off and on since 1999, and he knew immediately what was lacking at Ajax. He knew what he needed to do to bring about the necessary improvement – and, while it’s still a work in progress, things are definitely looking far better. In terms of defence, it was a case of organisation and structure, while the Ajax coach was determined to bring more attack to a team that has been extremely conservative all season.
In attack, it has been the injection of brilliant Ivorian striker Yannick Zakri which has galvanised the team.
On loan from Mamelodi Sundowns until the end of the season, the 26-year-old’s pace, game intelligence and eye for goal have provided some confidence and belief in the Cape side.
Zakri netted twice in the win over Pirates, but it’s not just the goals that are crucial, it’s his all-round self-assurance and composed touch in possession which make him such a joy to watch.
Against Pirates, Ertugral also produced another of his hand-picked signings in Siyanda Zwane, a marauding right-back. Also on loan from Sundowns until the end of the season, the experienced 32- year- old Zwane made an immediate impact on debut n Wednesday, and he is certainly going to be another influential addition to the squad.
“I just love him as a player and as a human being,” said Ertugral about Zwane. “I worked with him at Golden Arrows and I have always believed that he is an under- rated player. He has great character. It’s good to have him here and I have to thank the club for bringing him in.”
Before the journey to Polokwane, though, Ertugral will have to check on the condition of goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
The 23-year-old was involved in a bad collision against Pirates and was subsequently replaced by 21-year-old Jody February. Both are extremely capable and, whatever the prognosis on Petersen, the coach knows he has a capable man in reserve.
“I have already told Jody that he will play in the Cup games,” said Ertugral. “But he got a chance with Brandon’s injury and he made one great save against Pirates.”
After the midweek success, though, the challenge for Ajax is to maintain the momentum, something which Ertugral is fully aware of.
“The win over Pirates will bring more confidence to the players when they have the ball,” he said. “I am sure that it will lift the morale. Also, from a coaching perspective, it will get the players to believe in themselves and the whole squad to believe in what we are doing.”
Meanwhile Ajax added even more experience and versatility to their squad with the signing of the experienced Siboniso Gaxa yesterday.
The 33- year- old former Bafana Bafana defender has been training with the Cape side for the last few weeks, but when questioned recently about the player, Ertugral didn’t sound too optimistic.
But, in the end, it seems, especially after Wednesday’s win over Orlando Pirates, the Turkish coach decided to be bold and beef up his his defence even more.
Gaxa certainly has the credentials, having played for SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits in the PSL, and Lierse in Belgium.
His presence in the Ajax squad considerably strengthens Ertugral’s options at rightback, with new signing Zwane hugely impressive against Pirates in midweek and the up- and- coming Sergio Kammies also in the mix.
One thing is certain, the experience and knowledge of seasoned campaigners like Zwane and Gaxa will be extremely important in guiding and maturing the young Kammies.
Gaxa is rather happy the Cape side decided to offer him another opportunity in the topflight.
“I’m delighted to have joined Ajax and I am grateful to (head coach) Muhsin Ertugral, and the management of the club, for the opportunity to play football again,” said Gaxa.
“I am well aware of the situation the club finds itself in at the moment and I just want to help with my experience.
“I’ve played professionally for well over a decade and I believe I can contribute on and off the field in assisting this club move up the log standings. From what I have seen here, the talent is amazing, the club structure is something that has really impressed me and I am grateful to be part of this unique institution. I can’t wait to start my journey here.”