Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Classy Lartey a nice luxury as De Sa spreads the load
Ajax expecting a more free-flowing clash against motivated Esperanca
AJAX CAPE TOWN have the luxury of having Lawrence Lartey available for the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round fixture against Angolan side GD Sangrada Esperanca at Athlone Stadium tonight (kickoff 7.30pm). Ajax won the first leg 2-1 in Angola last week.
It’s a major boost for Ajax coach Roger de Sa, who has had to cope with a raft of injuries and suspension. Lartey, who has been impressive in central defence since making his way into the team this year, was sent off in last week’s 3-2 away win over Polokwane City.
De Sa was extremely disappointed with the referee’s decision as he felt the Ghanaian’s tackle was fair and never deserved a second yellow. But, be that as it may, Lartey has to serve a two-match suspension in the PSL.
Fortunately for De Sa, the ban doesn’t affect his participation in the Confederation Cup and the classy Lartey will line up for the Urban Warriors tonight. His availability is a major factor for De Sa, who wants to give a few of his regulars a break and, at the same time, field a competitive team.
“Look, we have to spread the load a bit,” said De Sa. “There are a few players in desperate need of a rest because they are playing week in and week out.
“Our schedule is congested, with a lot of games on top of each other. We were in the Free State in midweek, now Sangrada at Athlone, and on Tuesday we play again (Chippa United at Athlone).
“It’s quite a juggling act and we’ll have to see who’s available. I’m working with a squad of only 20 players and we are a bit thin. With Tuesday in mind, we also have to box carefully as far as selection is concerned.
“Diva (Ndiviwe Mdabuka) needs a break, Tashreeq Morris and Riyaad Norodien as well, and Erwin Isaacs, he’s been playing 90 minutes almost every week … they all need a rest.
“At the back, too, we are a bit thin and I don’t want to take too many risks. Lartey’s only suspended in the PSL, so he’ll have a full go tonight. And we’ll give a few other players a run as well.”
While Ajax defeated the Angolans in Dundo, De Sa is not taking things for granted; he’s not in the habit of underestimating opponents, and he’s certainly not about to do so now.
“I think Esperanca will be a bit better,” De Sa said. “Apparently, the game against us last week was their first competitive match of the season, so they’ll be a lot more matchhardened. It will be tougher for us.
“But it’s our home game and we have to take advantage of that. The aim of the team is to always try to win every game and this will be no different.
“The players put in a very good effort to win the first leg and now they just have to make sure that they carry it through in the second leg.
“I’m expecting a free-flowing game, against motivated opponents, so hopefully we’ll give a good performance.”
De Sa was also chuffed that promising young goalkeeper Brandon Petersen would be back in action tonight. The 21-year-old has been out since breaking his leg against Mamelodi Sundowns in December 2014.
“Brandon will be in goal tonight and it’s fantastic see him play again,” said the Ajax coach. “I was there when he broke his leg and it was very disappointing. At the time, he was just making his way into the team… and now, after a lengthy injury break, he’s mak- ing his way back again.
“He’s worked hard to get back and played a few games in the Diski (Reserve League) and friendlies.
“I’m just hoping he’s tested tonight, I don’t want him to be a passenger. I want him to feel that he’s been in a game.”