Ajax suffer double blow as Sea Robbers nab Mobara, Norodien

AJAX CAPE TOWN coach Roger de Sa says he will remain friends with Abbubaker Mobara and Riyaad Norodien, who are joining Orlando Pirates.

Though the loss of Mobara, 22, and Norodien, 21, will undoubtedly hamper the Urban Warriors’ 2016-17 campaign, De Sa has no hard feelings.

“All these things come to an end eventually and it’s time for someone else to step up. I was his coach but I’ll be his friend for a long time, I‘m sure,” the coach said yesterday.

Both Mobara, and Norodien, are products of Ajax’s famed youth development system, breaking into the first team in 2013 and 2015 respectively, and excelling under De Sa.

The Bafana Bafana-capped Mobara is a versatile defender who is capable of playing across the back four, or in a central midfield holding role, and also has a reputation as a strong leader.

His sale will be a blow to Ajax, particularly in light of the defensive frailties that plagued the club last season.

Norodien, meanwhile, is a skilful, pacy winger who was also a member of the South African Under-23 side that qualified for the upcoming Rio Olympics.

“Riyaad came in just over a year ago and made an impact straight away. He is a very good winger and also very mature for his age. He can turn a game on its head. That’s the ability that he has,” De Sa said.

Mobara and Norodien are two of three new signings by the Sea Robbers, with Ghanaian forward Bernard Morrison arriving from Congolese side AS Vita.

As for De Sa and Ajax, they will now turn their attention to replacing the departing pair. The former Bafana goalkeeper says he could dip into the transfer market if the right players become available.