After just three games in the new PSL season, Ajax Cape Town already have nine players on yellow cards.
Is it a case of over-zealous refereeing or is it a reflection of the aggressive approach and philosophy of new Ajax coach Muhsin Ertugral?
You be the judge!
Nevertheless, as Ajax head into a critical week, the following players - Diyo Sibisi (on two yellow cards) and Nhlanhla Shabalala, Lance Davids, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Franklin Cale, Clayton Daniels, Mohammed Diallo, Brett Evans and Dipsey Selolwane (all on one yellow card) - will be wary of upsetting the match officials.
According to PSL rules, when a player picks up three yellow cards, he receives an automatic one-match suspension.
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Ajax will be in Phuthaditjhaba tomorrow to take on Free State Stars in the league and then, on Sunday, they are at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg for the MTN8 second leg semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs.
Ajax won the first leg 1-0.
The Capetonians have made a promising start to the season, and the arrival of Ertugral as coach has infused the team with more mongrel and they are performing with greater defensive bite.
Ertugral favours a game plan that revolves around pressuring opponents in their own half of the field. When Ajax gain possession here, they attack with gusto and look to score.
While this was the Ajax plan in the opening league fixture against Orlando Pirates last week, they squandered many inviting opportunities and were caught out when the Buccaneers launched a successful counter-raid to clinch a 1-0 win.
Ajax are, therefore, still looking for their first league point - but cannot expect to find the Free State club in a generous mood.
Last season, FS Stars finished the season in fourth spot on the table. They will be competitive and eager to put one over the Cape side.
There is a full programme of league fixtures over the next two days, with defending champions SuperSport United hosting Kaizer Chiefs in Pretoria this evening. SuperSport's Cape Town-born coach Gavin Hunt is confident of yet another successful showing from his team this season.
Tomorrow, the prime match of the evening will be the clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sundowns, under a new coach, former Romanian great Hristo Stoichkov, have added a host of new signings to the squad. Let's see how they go.
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This article was originally published on page 15 of Cape Argus on August 18, 2009
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