Khenyeza Manhuti – Ajax
With the league title wrapped up by Kaizer Chiefs and just one game remaining, all focus on the PSL has shifted to the relegation battle between Cape Town clubs Chippa United and Ajax. Black Leopards sit bottom of the log, with a game in hand against Orlando Pirates on Wednesday, while Chippa occupy the other relegation spot and Ajax lie a place and three points above the drop.
Ajax Cape Town coach Muhsin Ertugral was relieved to have their ABSA Premiership destiny still in their own hands after watching his team come from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw against Maritzburg United in their penultimate match of the season last Saturday. A second-half strike by Mabhudi Khenyeza helped the 14th-placed Urban Warriors secure a point at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. The result, coupled by Chippa United in 15th securing a 2-2 draw against University of Pretoria, means Ertugral’s men need just one point at home against Golden Arrows to retain their top-flight status. “I’m not nervous (ahead of the last game),” the Turkish coach said. “I knew they (Chippa) won’t win their game today, but now it obviously goes down to the last week. We’ll have to take a point from our game, which will make us safe. It’s all in our hands.”
His task was made easier by the fact that his previous club, Arrows, beat Platinum Stars 2-1 to secure their own safety and ending Platinum’s title aspirations at the same time.
Ajax were impressive in their last home match, beating Kaizer Chiefs 3-1 to earn the vital three points. They are an improved team under Ertugral, who was appointed as head coach last month. Before Arrows’ win over Platinum Stars, the team had lost three consecutive matches. They were thrashed 4-1 by Moroka Swallows in their last away match. Back Ajax to earn the victory here and secure their place in the Premiership.
