New signing lifts Muhsin

Ajax Cape Town quickly got back to winning ways as they beat Maccabi FC 2-1 in a National First Division (NFD) match at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Urban Warriors had suffered their first defeat at TS Sporting in their previous game and it looked scary for Muhsin Ertugral’s side for a while, especially after Mokeri Senwamadi gave the visitors the lead as early as the 12th minute.

But Guy Stephane Bedi (above) equalised just before half-time and Thendo Mukumela ensured the home side pocketed the full points with his second-half goal. Bedi – signed by Ajax recently from Ivory Coast giants ASEC Momosas – thanked his team-mates for their support.

“I thank the Lord for the goal. I thank my team-mates and now we have to remain focused,” said the 22-year-old striker. With Bedi having opened his account as well, the Urban Warriors now look like real favourites for promotion.

After five matches, Ajax are second with 10 points after three wins, a draw and a defeat and trail Sello Chokoe’s Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila by a point. Tshakhuma also took the points after beating Cape Umoya United 1-0 at Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The only Limpopo side in the NFD fought hard for their away point last weekend, showing great character in coming from 2-0 down to draw at Royal Eagles. But on Sunday Tshakhuma showed their mettle as they survived some nervy moments to pocket the full points and jump back to the top of the standings with 11 points from five matches.

Tshakhuma, Mbombela United and Uthongathi FC are the only teams who are yet to taste defeat.

Jomo Cosmos, meanwhile, made it two wins in a row when they beat Richards Bay 1-0 at Vosloorus Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with 22-year-old Nigerian winger Victor Ohizu the hero of the day after his 28th-minute winner.

I thank my team-mates and now we have to remain focused.