Coetzenburg not ideal venue, but Ajax will just deal with it
THE PREMIER Soccer League (PSL) is sending down a delegation to check on the viability of Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch ahead of Ajax Cape Town’s MTN8 semi-final, first leg tie against Wits on Saturday night (kick-off 8.15pm).
It’s no secret Ajax aren’t too keen on playing in Stellenbosch because they believe the small, compact venue doesn’t suit their style of football.
But, according to the Cape club’s chief executive Ari Efstathiou, the PSL’s inspection is simply a formality. They expect the fixture will go ahead in Stellenbosch. Ajax had to schedule their match for Coetzenburg because Athlone Stadium and Cape Town Stadium are unavailable.
“It shouldn’t be too much of an issue,” said Efstathiou. “The PSL just want to check on the state of the pitch and the lighting. If the latter is a problem, we can always shift the game to the afternoon.
“Look, the venue is not ideal, but that’s the situation… and we have to deal with it.”
Ajax were beaten 2-1 by Wits in a league match over the weekend. The Capetonians, however, believe that they played well enough to put up another good show against the Students – and perhaps even emerge victorious this time.
The squad’s new signings – Ndiviwe Mdabuka, Ruzaigh Gamildien and Prince Nxumalo – have quickly made their presence felt with some fine contributions over the last few weeks (including the team’s recent friendly games).
Striker Nxumalo has been tasked with carrying the burden in attack. He is, at the moment, the only forward available, as Nathan Paulse is injured and Ajax are waiting on a work permit for new signing, Zimbabwean Thomas Chideu. Nxumalo played for FC Cape Town and Super Sport United before being lured to Ajax this season.
“It was tough at Super Sport because they had quite a few strikers in the squad,” said the 25-year-old. “Last season I was at Golden Arrows for a while on loan and then Ajax showed some interest in me.
“I have always liked Ajax as a club. I think every young player does. They play good football… Everybody has been very welcoming here, something which doesn’t happen a lot at other clubs.
“I have found it a little difficult to play as a lone striker, because it’s my first time playing in this system. Previously I’ve always played with another striker next to me, so it will take a big effort to adapt. But I will try my best.”