CAPE TOWN – Despite their controversial relegation to the National First Division, Ajax Cape Town are not sulking in the corner.
After vowing to return straight to the Absa Premiership next season – and managing to hold on to coach Muhsin Ertugral – the Urban Warriors earned another coup on Wednesday by announcing the signing of experienced goalkeeper Shu-Aib Walters.
The 36-year-old Walters has been through it all in the top division, having turned out for the likes of Maritzburg United, Bloemfontein Celtic and most recently Cape Town City.
But following the arrival of Dutch shot-stopper Peter Leeuwenbergh from Ajax Amsterdam, as well as the presence of Sage Stephens, Walters sought game time elsewhere during the pre-season and has been training for Ajax Cape Town for the past few weeks.
“Ajax Cape Town can officially confirm the signing of Shu-Aib Walters. The 36-year-old put pen-to-paper at Ikamva this afternoon, having trained with the Urban Warriors First Team for the past few weeks,” the club said on their website on Wednesday.
The #UrbanWarriors are excited to announce the arrival of the former Bloemfontein Celtic, Maritzburg United, Mpumalanga Black Aces and Cape Town City goalkeeper to Ikamva.
He has joined the club ahead of the 2018-19 NFD league season. #WeAreAjaxCT pic.twitter.com/QDshWPnvVt
— Ajax Cape Town (@ajaxcapetown) August 1, 2018
“Walters boasts over 250 appearances across all competitions in South Africa’s top division and will add valuable experience to the club’s goalkeeping department ahead of the 2018-19 National First Division (NFD) season.
“Everyone at Ajax Cape Town would like to welcome Shu-Aib to Ikamva.”
Walters, who was part of the Bafana Bafana squad at the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa, was close to signing for Ajax in the past.
He has previously told IOL Sport that when Foppe de Haan was in charge, Walters opted to remain the first-choice at Maritzburg instead of being the back-up to Hans Vonk.
He will face tough competition this time around, too, from Brandon Petersen, although there have been rumours that Jody February could replace Brilliant Khuzwayo at Kaizer Chiefs.
Ajax will play their first NFD game on August 19 against Jomo Cosmos at Vosloorus Stadium.
@ashfakmohamed
IOL Sport