Ajax Cape Town FC Have Their Work Cut Out For Them

What will Cape Town’s most well-known soccer team do this season?

Last update: 2 August 2019

It’s back to the grindstone for second-tier Ajax Cape Town following the team’s failure to make a quick return to the PSL last season.

As predicted, the Urban Warriors did not have things their own way, especially in the first round under head coach, Muhsin Ertugral, who was unfamiliar with the tough type of congested football that the NFD’s known for. 

After the Turkish-German national was replaced by Dutchman, Andries Ulderink, the club’s fans witnessed an improvement in results but ultimately the team finished fourth and therefore did not qualify for the all-important PSL Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs. 

Perhaps Ajax were unlucky after being pipped to a top three position on goal difference however, defensive errors haunted the club, which has parted ways with 11 men, including strikers, Thomas Verhaar and Mfanafuthi Prince Nxumalo, while long-serving goalkeeper, Brandon Petersen, is also out. 

In comes Eleazar Rodgers, 34, a veteran with over 60 PSL goals to his name.

The club which has retained the services of Ulderink, are going to rely on many of their up-and-coming youth to do the job and will work closely with ex-Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Hans Vonk, who holds the post as head of football.  

During the off-season, the Urban Warriors did attempt to purchase a PSL franchise before instead of deciding to try to emulate Stellenbosch’s achievements on the pitch.  

MORE ABOUT AJAX CAPE TOWN

Ajax Cape Town, a satellite club of Ajax Amsterdam, was formed in 1999 following a merger of two successful outfits, Seven Stars and Cape Town Spurs.

They moved into a R9-million state-of-the-art facility, Ikamva, in Parow, on 5 August 2000 and have subsequently changed the face of the game in Cape Town.

Known for their world-class training amenities and the ability to groom youngsters through the various youth teams, the Urban Warriors have become a well-known brand both in SA and abroad. The u-19 team’s success in winning both the NextGen and ESAD tournaments in Europe is a clear indication that their various coaches are getting it right.

Playing attractive attacking football, synonymous with the Ajax Amsterdam style and approach, the club’s netted over 600 PSL goals since their inception. But Ajax Cape Town would like to forget the 2016/17 season after losing two important derbies to new rivals Cape Town City, while also succumbing to a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Bidvest Wits.

Round up your friends and go visit some of the local Cape Town clubs.

What's more, be sure to check out the 2019/20 PSL fixtures overview. 

Cape Town’s other football teams

Read about Cape Town’s other National First Division team, Cape Umoya United. Check out our two PSL teams, Cape Town City FC and Stellenbosch FC.

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