Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town have certainly had reason to cheer over the last few weeks. So, this week, as the PSL closes the curtain on 2016, the Cape side is looking to sign off with a flourish and post the victory that will make the juicy Christmas turkey taste that much nicer.
Ajax, having won four of their last five games to rocket up the PSL standings, host Chippa United at the Cape Town Stadium today (kick-off 7.30pm). Victory could see the Capetonians finish the year in a top-eight position (and to think that, just a few months ago, they were anchored at the basement of the log, having gone winless in their opening nine games).
The PSL resumes on February 7, with the longer break to accommodate the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
Ajax are expecting a tough encounter against their former neighbours tonight. Chippa, previously based in Philippi, have relocated to Port Elizabeth and, under coach Dan Malesela, they have built up a reputation for a fluid, swift-passing style of football.
But Ajax captain Travis Graham is quietly confident the team can maintain the momentum under new coach Stanley Menzo. The 23-year-old central midfielder played his 100th game for the club in the weekend’s 3-0 defeat of Bloemfontein Celtic.
Graham, pictured, was drafted into the team at a young age and, soon after, was appointed as skipper by former coach Roger de Sa. It’s a testament to his maturity and the cool, calm head he carries on his shoulders.
“It has been an honour to get to the 100-game milestone for Ajax,” said Graham. “I have to thank all the coaches who have played a role in my career over the years, my teammates and everybody involved at the club. It has been a long journey, but there is still a long way to go. I’m still learning, but, up to now, it’s been a good 100”
Graham admits that the early part of the season, when Ajax were really struggling to get the first win under the belt, wasn’t easy. Mentally, it was a difficult period to negotiate, both as individuals and as a team.
“It was tough at the beginning of the season, but, as captain, I always tried to keep the team going, to keep the unity strong,” said Graham.
“The senior, experienced players in the squad and the coaches were fantastic in assisting, and we are in a better space now. But that difficult period was a good experience for me. Now, if a bad run like that comes around again, I will know what to expect and I’ll be better equipped to deal with it.”
Having played 100 games, Graham was able to reflect on his career so far - and pointed out a few teammates who were very influential, and he also highlighted a name he rates as his toughest opponent.
“Three players need special mention for their support and influence in my career,” he said. “Thulani Hlatshwayo (now at Wits) was very supportive and helpful when I first broke into the PSL squad as a teenager. Nathan Paulse has been outstanding, we talk all the time and his guidance has been important. And Keagan Dolly, who is still one of my best mates. We started our professional career at the same time and, even though he has since gone on to achieve fame with Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, he is still a big source of support. When we were going through that bad run of form, he would call me every day, telling me never to give up, to keep fighting, and things will turn around.
“My toughest opponent is Khama Billiat He often plays as a number 10 for Sundowns, which means he gives our defence a torrid time. His first touch is just amazing and, he’s just on another level.” - Rodney Reiners
PSL fixtures:
Wednesday: Golden Arrows v Kaizer Chiefs; Ajax Cape Town v Chippa United (Cape Town Stadium, 7.30pm); SuperSport United v Polokwane City; Free State Stars v Cape Town City (Goble Park Stadium, 7.30pm)
Thursday: Baroka FC v Mamelodi Sundowns