/ 2 November 1999

Ajax get their ‘Ninja’

OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Tuesday 12.15pm.

DUTCH soccer giants Ajax Amsterdam have bought local under-17 national captain Zitha “Ninja” Mofokeng.

The acquisition follows an agreement between the South African Football Association-Transnet soccer academy and Ajax director of youth development Hans Westerhoff.

Mofokeng leaves for Holland in January because he is busy writing his Grade 11 exams. Ajax is expected to make arrangements for him to further his studies.

Ajax Cape Town is also after three more players. U-17 midfielders Lynch Pule, Sello Ntusi and U-14 striker Brice Moon. Ajax says it was impressed after seeing them during the KFC U-17 Soccer Cup provincial championships in Durban last month.

The signing of the trio – the deal is expected to be finalised on Wednesday – will bring to six the number of Excellence graduates with Ajax. Others who have already signed are Dillon Sheppard, Brett Evans and Mabuti Ncaca.