Ajax break Cup hoodoo to make up for Bok heartache
Port Elizabeth-150919-Ajax Cape Town celebrates after beating Kaizer Chifs during MTN8 final in Nelson Mandela Stadium Port Elizabeth-Picture by BHEKI RADEBE Port Elizabeth-150919-Ajax Cape Town celebrates after beating Kaizer Chifs during MTN8 final in Nelson Mandela Stadium Port Elizabeth-Picture by BHEKI RADEBE
Siyavuya Mzantsi
IT WAS a roller-coaster sports weekend, with Capetonians shrieking in delight when Ajax Cape Town, against all the odds, beat Kaizer Chiefs, then crying in disbelief when the Springboks lost to lowly Japan.
Ajax were crowned MTN8 champions on Saturday after beating defending champions Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at a sold-out Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The Springboks were later humiliated, losing 34-32 to Japan. Embattled Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer and captain Jean de Villiers apologised to the nation for their indifferent performance.
Ajax coach Roger De Sa and his jubilant team, comprising mostly young players, arrived in Cape Town on Sunday following a night of celebration in Port Elizabeth.
Nathan Paulse’s penalty in the second half was enough to enable the “Urban Warriors” to bring the trophy and R8 million prize to the Mother City.
Ajax chief executive Ari Efstathiou said: “The most important thing is that we got a result for the city. This victory is for Cape Town.
“The victory shows that there is character in the team. We have a club that helps youngsters achieve their dreams.
“We had a fantastic fan base at the airport when we arrived.”
Ajax last tasted Cup success seven years ago when they were crowned 2008 Telkom Knockout champions after a 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates.
Ajax spokesperson Milo Boer said despite playing away and having a poor record in finals,
“we had about 800 fans who travelled to watch us play. Everybody knows that we have been in a number of finals recently and did not win”.
“The boys knew what it was like to lose. They did not want to lose,” said Boer.
Ajax reached the final of the Nedbank Cup in May and lost on penalties to Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Cape Town side currently tops the Premier Soccer League (PSL) log standings with nine points after four matches.
“It’s important that we thank our fans for all the support. We would also like to say a big thanks to all the people who showed their support on social media,” Boer said.
Ajax and Chiefs will clash again soon in a PSL match at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
siyavuya.mzantsi@inl.co.za
@Siyavuya2