Roger de Sa has loudly trumpeted the fact that, in his opinion, Ajax Cape Town have done very well in the transfer market this season. With experienced players like Mark Mayambela, Roscoe Pietersen and Lebogang Mokoena on board, together with Zimbabwean Eric Chipeta and burly Portugal forward Jucie Lupeta, the Ajax coach’s optimism is understandable.
But it is the impact of a lesser-known new signing, Thabo Mosadi, that has been most impressive at this stage of the season. So far, the Urban Warriors have played just four games - two draws and two defeats - so it’s been a rather erratic opening to the new PSL campaign. There have been good moments, though, and it’s just the consistency and stay-in-the-moment, 90-minute focus that has been lacking.
Mosadi, however, has probably been the one player to catch the eye. The winger was brought in after Ajax sold Riyaad Norodien to Orlando Pirates. De Sa was keen on bringing in some pace and creativity down the flanks and, in Mosadi, he has certainly got that.
The 25-year-old, signed from the University of Pretoria, has been an influential presence for the Cape side. He has been an irrepressible menace to opposition defences and Ajax will be hoping for more of the same as the season progresses.
Because of the threat he presents, Mosadi has already come in for special, robust attention from defenders. As such, injury is never far away and he had to be substituted in the draw with Polokwane City two weeks ago after aggravating an ailment.
The Urban Warriors then lost to neighbours Cape Town City last week, a result that hasn’t gone down well with their supporters. There’s nothing worse than losing a derby and Ajax are determined that, next time it comes around, things will be different.
For now, though, the most important thing is to get the first victory under the belt. The PSL is currently on a two-week break and resumes on October 15, when Ajax take on log leaders Kaizer Chiefs in Durban. No doubt, it’s a fixture that Mosadi is really looking forward to.
“We’ve only played four games, so there’s no need to panic” Mosadi said. “Yes, we are currently low down on the PSL log but once the games get under way again, I’m confident we are going to get better, and things will start to turn.
“You have to remember that the players are still getting to know each other. We, as new players, have been brought in and it’s a case of taking time to blend everything together. The break will certainly help and I’m sure that the improvement will soon start to show.”
Mosadi is from Katlehong, an area east of Johannesburg. Having cut his teeth at amateur clubs in his township, he went on to play for Jomo Cosmos and Alexandra United before coming sensationally to prominence at AmaTuks in the PSL.
But, last season, the University side were relegated so Mosadi jumped at the opportunity when Ajax came calling. “Ajax were after me for quite a while and when Tuks got relegated, I thought that a change would be best,” he said.
“I thought that the new environment, the new atmosphere, would be great for my career. I must say, I haven’t been disappointed with my decision.
“I’ve fitted in nicely with the squad, I’ve been welcomed and things are going well. It couldn’t be better and I’m really enjoying it in the Cape - to be honest, I don’t even miss home back in Joburg.
“As a team, Ajax have always impressed me, they play an attractive style of football and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I think this is a club that can take me places.”
But, as much as Mosadi is positive about his move to Ajax, his ambitions can only be realised if the entire squad comes to the party.
De Sa has voiced his concerns that some players are just not strong enough mentally during tense, difficult game situations. He needs everybody to be on the same page when it comes to courage, combat and in performing with determination and steel.
It’s not happening at the moment, but it’s very high on his agenda. It’s no secret that opposition clubs in the PSL are all fully aware of the soft underbelly that is the great vulnerability in the Urban Warriors make-up.
Mosadi, too, has no doubt that things will change. The results will turn and the real, quality Ajax who scare so many teams will soon emerge.
“We’ll continue to play.” he said. “The hard work is there, it’ll come. Our aim is to push for a top-four spot. It’s still too early in the season to judge this team.”
Weekend Argus