Go-getters out to ruffle feathers of the high and mighty

THE Nedbank Cup final on Saturday has been billed as the battle between Ajax Cape Town’s youth and energy, and the considerable player muscle and experience of the Mamelodi Sundowns millionaires.

The star-studded Sundowns will be determined to win a trophy in 2014-15. Ajax’s freshfaced, ambitious 20-somethings have progressed together from the youth level, some from as far back as the under-11s.

Ajax’s hungry chickens:

Rivaldo Coetzee

His unflappable calmness has had former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena tipping him for a big future. He was 17 years old when he became the youngest player for Bafana in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying win against the Republic of Congo last year. His centreback partnership with 20-yearold Abbubaker Mobara is one of the youngest in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Keagan Dolly

Last season’s PSL young player of the season has had a difficult follow-up year, mostly due to injury. When he is on song, the 22-year-old makes Ajax tick, and the left winger’s absence from November to February was a major contributor to a period of slump for Ajax in mid-season. He earned his Bafana debut against Sudan last year. Travis Graham

He is yet to earn a Bafana callup but it is a sign of the respect with which he is held at Ajax that the playmaker has been made captain at 22. Ajax have rejected overseas offers for a player who will be out to prove his worth in a midfield battle. Tashreeq Morris

The 20-year-old slippery striker was Ajax’s league top scorer, and his injury-time winner in the semifinal against SuperSport United guaranteed the team their place in the final.

Sundowns’ player muscle:

Teko Modise

He has been arguably Downs’ player of the year for a second season. His central midfield combination with Hlompho Kekana and Bongani Zungu is one of the strongest in the PSL. Mzikayise Mashaba

Downs’ form player, having scored three goals in two games since being pushed up from leftback to left midfield. These included the stunner from range in the semifinal against Vasco Da Gama, and a brace against SuperSport on Wednesday. Khama Billiat

The Zimbabwean winger will look for a big performance against his old team. On his day, he is one of the most dangerous attacking players in the league. Katlego Mashego

With goals drying up for Cuthbert Malajila, Mosimane has turned to the experience and canniness of Mashego as his pointman upfront.

Ajax’s ambitious 20-somethings have [played] together from the youth level