De Sa backs 'keepers as Ajax chase consistency

Roger de Sa (Head Coach) of Ajax Cape Town during the Absa Premiership 2015/16 press conference at Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town on 11 April 2016 ©Chris Ricco/BackpagePix

Roger de Sa (Head Coach) of Ajax Cape Town during the Absa Premiership 2015/16 press conference at Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town on 11 April 2016 ©Chris Ricco/BackpagePix

Published Aug 15, 2016

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Spare a thought for Ajax Cape Town coach Roger de Sa as he prepares for the new PSL season. Team selection is, at best, tricky, whatever the circumstances, but the departure of Finnish goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola has De Sa scratching his head as to who to choose between youngsters Brandon Petersen and Jody February.

But he firmly believes both Petersen and February are ready for the step-up. But now the problem starts. De Sa has already acknowledged that he is still not sure who will man the goals in Ajax’s opening game. He will leave it to the very last to make a decision. Petersen, 21, has been hard at work since returning from a lengthy 18 months out injured. He was back in the Ajax team in May and he’s looking at making this his breakthrough season. February, 20, hogged the headlines after his heroic performances inspired the SA Under-23 side to qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics. He, unfortunately, missed out on game-time at the Games after the more experienced Itumeleng Khune was roped in as an over-age player for the event. The duel between Petersen and February for the number one jersey will make for an interesting sidebar to Ajax’s season.

“Jody and I have always provided good competition for each other during our junior years and it will be no different now,” said Petersen. “I’m looking forward to battling with Jody for the number one jersey. Obviously, both of us know that only one of us can play… but we will continue to support each other to be the best. So, it doesn’t matter which of us the coach picks, we know that it will be the right decision at the time. After that, it’s a matter of working hard and pushing the other.

Ajax are also set on bringing a bit more consistency to their game. After a good start to the previous one, they fell away during the second half and had to be content with a disappointing 11th-placed finish. Said captain Travis Graham: “ We have to be more consistent, especially in the middle of the season. We have to avoid the slump this time.”

Analysis

De Sa has paid particular attention to strengthening his defence, a clear signal he was unhappy with the way Ajax gave away goals last season.

“Soft goals” was De Sa’s constant refrain in post-match interviews - and his intention is to avoid a repeat. If De Sa, and Ajax, shore up this department, then they have a shot at being among the upper echelon of the PSL this season. There is no doubting the quality in their squad. When the youngsters are on song, Ajax play an entertaining, attractive brand of football that teams struggle to live with. It’s just that sometimes it’s all too erratic. The team often blows hot and cold and, when the pressure is on, the kids fold. De Sa is fully aware of this, which is why he has focused on bringing in a bit more experience, aggression and physicality to his backline. But don’t write them off. If De Sa’s plans work, expect the Capetonians to do very well this season.

Key man: Nathan Paulse

At Ajax, the spotlight is always on the talented youth brigade. But that is also why it’s vital to have wiser, experienced heads to act as guiding hands as these youngsters make their way in the game. And this is why Paulse is crucial to the Ajax cause. Not only is he a handful on the field, but his value in the dressing-room is regularly praised by De Sa. Having played in Europe, for Hammarby in Sweden, and in the PSL for Bloemfontein Celtic, Platinum Stars and SuperSport United, Paulse knows what it’s all about. He’s a tough customer, an awkward opponent and the scourge of defenders in the PSL. Coaches, too, hate Paulse - because they have to come to the Cape with a special game-plan to try to nullify his influence. The striker’s getting on now, being 34 years old, but he remains as fit and hungry as ever. Expect another valuable contribution from the veteran this season.

New signings

Eric Chipeta, Joachim Lupeta, Thabo Mosadi, Roscoe Pietersen and Keorapetse Molete.

Previously

Last five years11th; 5th; 12th; 14th; 9th

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