There is still much work to be done, says Menzo

Stanley Menzo, head coach of Ajax Cape Town.Picture: BackpagePix

Stanley Menzo, head coach of Ajax Cape Town.Picture: BackpagePix

Published Jan 24, 2017

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Cape Town – Ajax Cape Town head coach Stanley Menzo admits there is still work to be done to make sure his team is ready for the resumption of the 2016/17 season in two weeks time.

Menzo was reacting to the performance of Ajax following the club’s practice match against Highlands Park at Ikamva which ended in a 1-1 draw this past weekend.

The Lions of the North opened the scoring before Urban Warriors captain Travis Graham hammered home the equaliser on the stroke of half-time. Both teams had their chances in the second stanza, but neither were able to convert as the game eventually ended in a stalemate.

“The first half wasn’t so bad, we conceded a goal from a transition moment – we have to work on that, you have to make sure you run back, fight back and cover your lines to close down space,” Menzo said.

“After they scored it was difficult to find freedom in midfield, there was little space and things were tight – we scored a goal having found space between the lines. Travis scored a good goal.

“It is a team effort, it started from behind, somewhere between the lines we made space for him, he was in the right spot at the right time; he controlled the ball well, it is easy – don’t hit it hard, but in the corner and it was a good goal."

New signings Roderick Kabwe and Rheece Evans were both involved for Ajax Cape Town on the day, with the latter playing the full 90 minutes in what was a hotly contested fixture.

“Both have to adapt to the way we play, the way of playing, but it will come and I was satisfied, especially by Kabwe in the midfield,” Menzo added. “Rheece had some problems, but he played 90 minutes and I’m happy for him. The former Dutch international goal-minder was also impressed by trialists Aubrey Funga and Sameehg Doutie.

“Aubrey and Doutie did well – especially Doutie. He knows the Ajax way of playing so for him it was easier. Aubrey, you can see that he has things that we can use,” Menzo said.

Next up for the Urban Warriors is a clash against Cape Town All Stars at Parow Park on Saturday with kick-off at 10.30am. Menzo highlighted some key areas of concern as the team sets their sights on the PSL fixture away to Bidvest Wits on the February 7, with improving final phase decisions top of the priorities.

“Decision making has to be better, that part I can’t tell you. I can put you in the situation, but you have to make the right decision. “In the last 20 minutes against Highlands we were tired which is normal – so you have to make better decisions; keep the ball longer as a team and don’t go for your own success because from that the whole team can suffer.

“Those things we have to work on and it has to be clear that we have to wait for the right moment,” Menzo concluded.

African News Agency

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