Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town coach Roger de Sa says he will “remain friends” with the two star players who are joining Orlando Pirates.
Though the loss of Abbubaker Mobara, 22, and Riyaad Norodien, 21, will undoubtedly hamper the Urban Warriors’ league campaign next season, De Sa has no hard feelings.
“Mobara is going to be very difficult to replace. He’s a very versatile player and an exceptionally good footballer,” he says.
“Obviously I worked with him for two years and he has been an integral part of my team. But that’s the way it is."All these things come to an end eventually and it’s time for someone else to step up. I got to know him very well; I travelled to Amsterdam with him and I was very involved in his contract negotiations when I arrived.
“I was his coach but I’ll be his friend for a long time I‘m sure. That’s the way it is: coaching is temporary but friendships can last forever."I’m certain that the friendships I’ve made with these two youngsters will be life-long.
“Both Mobara and Norodien are products of the club’s famed youth development system; breaking into the first team in 2013 and 2015 respectively, and excelling after De Sa joined Ajax from Pirates.
“Mobara is a versatile defender, capable of playing across the back four or in a central midfield holding role, with a glut of Bafana Bafana caps already behind his name, and a reputation as a strong leader.
“His sale will be a blow to Ajax, particularly in light of the defensive frailties that plagued the club last season. Norodien is a skilful, pacy winger, and was previously part of the South Africa Under-23 side that qualified for the Rio Olympic Games.“Riyaad came in just over a year ago and made an impact straight away.
“He is a very good winger and also very mature for his age. He can turn a game on its head. That’s the ability that he has,” he says.
“I would imagine that he will eventually make the Bafana Bafana team. I’m sure he will eventually get there. He didn’t have the best start to his professional career, but once I arrived and we chatted he proved his worth straight away and he has been very good.”
Pirates are currently on a major recruitment drive, following the appointment of Muhsin Ertugral as head coach. Ertugral had three separate coaching stints with the Urban Warriors and will know Mobara from his most recent, during the 2013/2014 season.
Ertugral was most recently employed by Mpumalanga Black Aces. He joined the Buccaneers in June, shortly after that Aces was purchased and relocated to Cape Town by former Ajax co-owner John Comitis.
Eric Tinkler, his predecessor at Pirates, was subsequently named head coach at Aces.Mobara and Norodien are two of three new signings at Pirates, with Ghanaian forward Bernard Morrison arriving from Congolese side AS Vita Club.
As for De Sa and Ajax, they will now turn their attention to replacing the departing pair. The former Bafana goalkeeper says he could dip into the transfer market if the right players become available.
However, it’s more likely the replacements will be sourced from the club’s youth ranks.“To be honest with you, you can never replace them because they are special.”
The Star