CAPE TOWN – It hasn’t been all that difficult for Mario Booysen to make himself at home at Ajax Cape Town – and, in the process, to quickly announce himself as a leader in the team.
Last week, with the Cape side struggling to impose their game on Polokwane City, it was Booysen who rallied the troops at halftime.
Ajax went on to win 2-0 and register their first win of the season.
Now, as they head for a tough trip to Polokwane, to take on an in-form Baroka FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm kickoff), Booysen again has a critical role to play in the centre of defence.
Booysen returned to Ajax last month as part of the deal that took Rivaldo Coetzee to Mamelodi Sundowns.
It’s the 29-year-old Capetonian’s second spell at the Cape club.
“It’s nice to be back in Cape Town,” said Booysen at the Ajax press conference in Parow on Thursday afternoon.
“I’m working well with the guys, and it was good that we got the three points last week.
“The performance was bits and pieces, and there are still lots of room for improvement. But I’m getting to understand the players, and it was easy to fit in as I’m a Cape Town boy after all.”
Booysen is confident Ajax can maintain the momentum against Baroka, who, surprisingly, are loftily perched in second position on the PSL log.
“I know the culture of Ajax as a club and, this time, I’ve come in as a senior,” said Booysen.
“And I want to help those around me… Against Baroka, we are looking for three more points to ensure that we keep lifting the mood in the squad. If we keep believing, then things will happen.”
@Reiners11