The new Cape side have been quick to lay down the gauntlet, sending out this challenging tweet yesterday:
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) September 22, 2016
Yet the Urban Warriors were quick to reply, including a sly swipe at their neighbours in their preview published on their website for tonight’s game: “Given the rise and fall of many previous Cape Derbies, is the iKapa derby here to stay?”
Ajax, who have been in existence in their current form, have taken on three different sides in Santos, Vasco da Gama and Chippa United in previous Cape derbies in the PSL, the last being against the Chilli Boys in the 2012/13 season, when the now Port Elizabeth club was still based in Cape Town.
During that season, Ajax were 3-1 winners at home, before earning a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture. Captain Travis Graham is the only Ajax player from that season still in the current squad, while Lebogang Manyama and Thato Mokeke have now crossed the divide to don the blue of City.
In total, Ajax have played 16 Cape Derby encounters, winning seven, drawing six and losing three.
Tonight’s derby will be Ajax coach Roger de Sa’s first in the Western Cape, as he comes up against good friend Eric Tinkler.
Kick-off is at 8pm.