New Ajax Cape Town head coach Muhsin Ertugral is hunting for four key players to bolster his squad before the new Premier Soccer League season gets underway in August.
At the top of Ertugral’s shopping list are a central defender, a winger and two strikers. Ertugral is not releasing any players and will keep the squad that did duty last season.
The exception is unsettled striker Mabhuti Khenyeza, who failed in a trial with Dutch club FC Twente but does not see eye to eye with the new Ajax coach and is determined to leave.
Said Ertugral: ”We are busy negotiating with the four players. All are African players who are currently playing in Europe.
”They are highly experienced and will help make Ajax one of the most exciting teams in the PSL this season.”
Ertugral rejoined Ajax from Kaizer Chiefs after two seasons with Amakhosi and is determined to win some silverware. Ertugral won the Absa Cup in 2007 in his last stint with the Urban Warriors.
Ajax returned this week from a 13 day training camp in Holland where they played five matches, winning three and losing two.
Said Ertugral: ”We really shaped up well, but must say there was plenty of hard work and commitment. I am looking forward to the season with a lot of confidence.”
Ertugral said two midfielders, Granwald Scott and Clifford Ngobeni, shone in Holland. ”The whole squad looked the part and I was every pleased with the effort from everyone but both Scott and Ngobeni were outstanding.”
The Urban Warriors could not have asked for a tougher start to the new season when they play Orlando Pirates twice within five days.
Ajax meet the Bucs in the quarterfinals of the MTN 8 competition at Ellis Park on August 5 and open their Absa Premiership campaign against the Buccaneers at Newlands four days later.
Said Ertugral: ”It is tough playing one of the best teams in the country twice in the first four days of the season.
”But we will be ready and I am confident we can get the season off to a good start.”
Meanwhile Ajax’s neighbours Santos have parted ways with Coach David Bright who has resigned. Santos have appointed the club’s director of coaching Boebie Solomons as caretaker coach. — Sapa