Ajax wind up preps this morning
Ajax wind up preps this morning
Posted: 2009-10-23 07:26
MTN8 finalists Ajax Cape Town are to head to Johannesburg this afternoon, only after they have completed their preparations for Saturday’s Final.
Coach Jan Pruijn said the side would have a final training session at their Ikamva complex this morning before flying to Johannesburg in the afternoon.
Ajax will stay two nights but not at their traditional hotel at Boksburg, but rather a Sandton hotel paid for by the competition sponsors.
Like opponents Golden Arrows, Ajax will have to contend with the switch to altitude but make the trip to Gauteng so frequently that they have not made any special preparations for this aspect.
The Urban Warriors stand-in coach Jan Pruijn is confident that his depleted side will have what it takes to be the last man standing at Orlando Stadium.
“If we control possession and implement our precision-passing, then we can win the game,” he said at the MTN8 Final press conference in Soweto yesterday.
“I don’t want to talk about the players that are not there, that only shows disrespect for the rest of the squad. There is enough talent in our team to win the MTN8 Cup!” he added.
The Urban Warriors will be without a number of key players going into the clash: Diyo Sibisi is suspended, while Eduardo Ferreira, Stanton Lewis and Granwald Scott are all out injured.
Furthermore, their captain Brett Evans and midfield maestro Nhlanhla Shabalala are fighting niggling injuries and are doubtful starters for the game.
With that being said there is also added pressure on Pruijn to ensure his side performs well in the cup final considering how well Ajax have done in the past.
The Urban Warriors have claimed three Cup titles since their formation just over 10 years ago. This fact will see them go into the Final as slight favourites over an Arrows side that has yet to win a major piece of top flight silverware.
Pruijn, however, admits to the dangers that Arrows’ Bafana Bafana striker Richard Henyekane poses.
“Henyekane has been impressive and we will watch him closely. He will pounce on any mistakes we make at the back. We will definitely keep a close eye on him.”
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