Lebusa aware of arduous task that awaits Ajax

CAPE TOWN - Sometimes it’s hard to believe that Ajax Cape Town left-back Mosa Lebusa is only 24 years old. Because he is ever-present in the team and such an ultra-consistent performer, it almost seems as if he’s been around forever.

Since making his PSL debut in 2012, Lebusa, originally from Welkom in the Free State, has matured into a solid and reliable performer. And he’ll need all his nous and experience when Ajax host in-form Kaizer Chiefs at the Athlone Stadium tomorrow (kick-off 8.15pm).

Chiefs are on a five-game winning run and, with the support they get on the Cape terraces, the Soweto side will feel it has a shot at maintaining that momentum.

Lebusa is fully aware of the arduous task that awaits Ajax. “It’ll be tough, really tough,” he said. “Chiefs are in great form and we have been a bit inconsistent. But we are at home and we have to try to get the points

“We started off poorly last year and then got things going again. Now, this year, it’s been up and down again, and we find ourselves in the same sort of situation. But I thought we played well in the 1-1 draw against Polokwane City last week and we just have to keep trying to improve.”

While Lebusa (pictured) has been a steady performer for Ajax, and even called up to the Bafana Bafana squad in October 2015 for friendlies against Costa Rica and Honduras, he admits that he hasn’t been all that happy with his form this season.

“I have done well at times, but I can do far better,” he said. “As a team, we have to strive to be more consistent.”

With captain Travis Graham sitting out a one-game suspension, and missing the Chiefs game, Lebusa should also come into contention for the captain’s armband. During former coach Roger de Sa’s tenure, Lebusa was the next man in line for the leadership of the team when Graham was unavailable.

It’s not sure what coach Stanley Menzo’s thinking is with regard to the captaincy, now that the hard-working Graham is out, but, no doubt, he’ll consider Lebusa as an option. But the most important thing for Ajax is to get back on track. Towards the end of last year, after the arrival of Menzo as head coach, they went on a superb run of form, winning five of their last six games. It rocketed the team up the PSL standings.

This year, after two defeats and a draw, they are, again, like early last season, struggling to win a game. And, in addition to not having Graham available, rising young midfielder Grant Margeman is on national duty with the SA U20s in Zambia. The result is that Menzo will have to re-jig his midfield, especially with two regulars absent. The good thing about the Ajax squad, though, is that there is a bit of depth, with Ndiviwe Mdabuka, Erwin Isaacs, Roscoe Pietersen and the two new Zambian signings Rodrick Kabwe and Aubrey Funga all capable of being deployed in midfield.

With Ajax in 11th position with 19 points, and Chiefs in second on 33, Ajax have a real opportunity to find their true form and kick-start a move up the table.

“Our aim is to get to a top eight position,” said Lebusa. “But, right now, the priority is to take each game as it comes, and pick up as many points as possible.”

PSL fixtures

Friday:

Chippa United v Golden Arrows

Saturday:

Orlando Pirates v Polokwane City; Bloemfontein Celtic v Platinum Stars; Mamelodi Sundowns v Wits; Ajax Cape Town v Kaizer Chiefs (Athlone, 8.15pm); Highlands Park v SuperSport United