Before any Real action, Downs visit to face Ajax
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS hit the Mother City on Wednesday to take on Ajax Cape Town in a PSL fixture at the Cape Town Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm) – and it’s perhaps just the right time for the Cape side to be playing Africa’s football champions.
Ever since defeating Egypt’s Zamalek in the African Champions League final last month, Sundowns have been the toast of the PSL and South Africa. But they are now having to play catch-up in the league and, importantly, most of the Pretoria club’s focus at the moment is on their participation in the prestigious Fifa Club World Cup in Japan next week. The tournament runs from December 8–18 – and, with Spanish giants Real Madrid involved, it’s easy to understand why Sundowns could be a little distracted on Wednesday.
And, with Ajax keen to keep their winning momentum, after picking up their first PSL victory of the season last week (3-2 over Platinum Stars), they won’t be lacking in motivation.
New coach Stanley Menzo is slowly but surely bringing his message across. His philosophy is based on confidence on the ball, and he has rapidly worked to also change the look and feel of the team.
Striker Nathan Paulse is making his way back after recent surgery to repair a fractured cheekbone. He was on the bench for last week’s win over Platinum.
“It was a good win over Platinum and the team deserved all the credit for the hard work and the attitude they showed,” said Paulse. “It was a much-needed win... The players are starting to believe in themselves, which is good for the club. The win has given the squad a boost. (But) we still have a long way to go.”
Ajax captain Travis Graham was influential in that win over Platinum last week, and he’s looking forward to Wednesday’s outing. “Mamelodi Sundowns are the kings of Africa, so this will be a very difficult game,” said Graham. “We will give them the respect they deserve, but it is still just another game… We have to make sure that we do our own thing and, because we are at home, we must use the advantage we have.”