Cape Town - Nathan Paulse’s importance to Ajax Cape Town can never be under-estimated. A regular theme at last season’s post-match press conferences was opposition coaches lamenting: “We just couldn’t handle Paulse.”
The 34-year-old target-man is difficult to mark. He has, over the years, given PSL defenders major headaches with his combative style. Not only is he awkward and a major threat in aerial duels, but he’s aggressive and he never shirks a tackle. He bustles, hassles, harasses and, in doing so, not only sets up scoring opportunities for teammates, but creates openings for himself to have a crack as well.
Ajax, of course, remain all about youth and constantly churning out talented young footballers to shine on the big stage. But, as the contribution of Paulse, pictured, suggests, it’s just as vital to have experienced men in the squad, to provide a composed presence during times of on-field pressure and to act as mentors to the club’s emerging youngsters.
After another valuable contribution last season, including the winning goal for Ajax in the MTN8 final, Paulse is back for more this season.
Looking ahead to the start of the new PSL season, the 34-year-old is as eager as ever - and he gave some insight into his role as elder statesmen in the Ajax dressing-room.
“I see my role off the field as very important to Ajax,” said Paulse. “Where the young players are now, I’ve been there, I know what they are going through and how they are feeling. I try to pass on my knowledge and prepare them for what to expect.
“On the field, it’s the same. I try to lead by example. I approach, and play, the game with the right attitude and approach, and hope that the young players can learn from it.”
Ajax recently sold emerging stars Abbubaker Mobara and Riyaad Norodien to Orlando Pirates. But, as is usually the case with Ajax, the next bunch of promising young kids have already been promoted from the club’s successful academy. And there is already talk that this lot could be the next golden generation, especially after their magnificent achievements with the Ajax Under-19 squad in Europe earlier this year.
“From what I’ve seen at training so far, it looks like the new youngsters have adapted well,” he said. “There are some good and clever players coming through. They are, of course, all schooled in the Ajax way, which means they are thinking footballers, and that is what they are showing.
“I’m excited and they are looking good, but the big challenge is when the season starts and we see whether they can handle it at the higher level, whether they can cope with the pressure of senior football.”
The Cape club has signed Zimbabwean defender Eric Chipeta, Portuguese striker Joachim Lupeta, midfielder Thabo Mosadi, Capetonian defender Roscoe Pietersen and left-back Keorapetse Molete.
“The new signings will help with the depth in the team,” said Paulse. “I think we have a great squad for the season and the top priority is to finish in a top eight position. But I’m ambitious and I’m sure the others in the squad are too. So it’s important also to try to push for a log finish even higher than that.”
In order to fine-tune, De Sa and his players left yesterday for a week-long training camp in George.
Cape Argus