You could probably call it a reunion with a liberal dash of rivalry, such are the connections that underpin Tuesday night’s PSL fixture between Ajax Cape Town and Orlando Pirates at the Cape Town Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).
For new Pirates recruits Riyaad Norodien and Abbubaker Mobara, it’s a return to the bosom of the Mother City, the place where they honed their prodigious talent. Kensington’s Norodien and Mitchell’s Plain’s Mobara are successful products of the famed Ajax youth academy, who have now elevated their careers to join Pirates, one of the big football clubs in the country.
Ajax, in turn, have lured two former Pirates players to the Cape - Mark Mayambela and Lebohang Mokoena - and, if these two recapture the form they are capable of, the PSL better watch out.
And then, of course, there are the coaches on the bench. Just three years ago, Roger de Sa inspired Pirates to the final of the African Champions League; on Tuesday night, in charge of Ajax, he’s plotting his former team’s downfall.
It’s also no secret that there’s no love lost between current Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral and Ajax owners, the Efstathiou brothers. The respected Turkish coach has had three separate spells at the helm of Ajax, he owns a property in the Cape, and he always speaks glowingly of his love for the Mother City. But Ertugral’s departure from Ajax in 2014, after his uncle passed away in Turkey, subsequently led to a fall-out with the Efstathious. The Pirates coach, rest assured, will be the hell-bent on putting one over Ajax and their bosses.
All of this ratchets up the tension and intrigue to what should be a real spicy clash between two top quality football teams.
For Ajax, it’s all about how their new signings will go this season.
De Sa, much as he is a supporter of giving youth an opportunity, has always longed for more experience in the squad to act as guiding hands to the kids. This season, he’s managed to bring in a few seasoned campaigners, like Mayambela, Mokoena, Roscoe Pietersen, Zimbabwean Erick Chipeta and Portuguese forward Joaquim Lupeta.
But, really, the local football fraternity will only have eyes for Mayambela and Mokoena. The 29-year-old duo are first to admit that their careers have stalled a touch - and they are desperate and determined to get back on track and shift into top gear.
“It has been easy to integrate Mark (Mayambela) and Lebo (Mokoena) into the squad,” said De Sa. “I think it’s always easier with experienced players because they know what it’s all about. They’ve settled and adapted, and their knowledge and experience will be important for us as the season progresses. I think, as of now, they are both fairly fit, they’ve played a few friendlies… I don’t think they are 100 percent, but they are very close to their best.”
As for Mokoena, who spent six years at Pirates and six years at Mamelodi Sundowns, the Ajax opportunity is a much-needed shot at redemption.
“They say you always have to go to the Mother City,” said Mokoena. “And I’m ready to contribute to the success of the club. I’ve been welcomed here and we all know what the goal is. There are so many youngsters at Ajax and I see my role as trying to help them become big players now that they are in the big league.
“Look, in any player’s career, sometimes things don’t go the way you want it to. I’ve had injuries and setbacks, and sometimes I’ve been left out of the team when I probably shouldn’t have. So it’s perhaps best to go to a club where your talent is appreciated… I am still passionate about the game, I know what my body can handle. I am still fit and hungry, and I will push myself to the limit to help the team.
"For me, it’s all about game time because the more you play, the more confident you get. I believe in my ability, I believe I still have what it takes and all I’m focused on now is to get this Ajax team to achieve its objectives.
Mayambela may be a Capetonian - he’s from Khayelitsha - but this will be first time he plays for a Cape club in the top-flight. As a junior, he spent time at the now-defunct Mother City, Trinitarians and the Old Mutual Academy before signing a professional contract with Bloemfontein Celtic. From there, it was on to Pirates, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Djurgardens in Sweden, Chippa United and SuperSport United. Like Mokoeka, things haven’t always gone to plan for Mayambela - but, now at Ajax, back in his home town, he’s fully grounded and motivated, and he’s feeling energised and inspired again.
“I’m just focused on Ajax, I’m not too concerned about the past,” said Mayambela. “I think I’ve matured, I’m a better player and, right now, all I want is to achieve great things with this club.”
@extrastrongsa
Independent Media