Ajax Cape Town vs Kaizer Chiefs
by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – IF current form and the Absa Premiership log standings are anything to go by, this weekend’s MTN 8 Final will be a thrill-a-minute encounter.
The decider is scheduled for the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. Kick-off is at 15h00 on Saturday.
Holders Kaizer Chiefs and log-leaders Ajax Cape Town, the most exciting sides thus far in league and cup action, will be in town for the decider in the Windy/ Friendly City.
Friendship will nonetheless be put aside for at least 90 minutes on
Saturday afternoon with a whopping R8 million in the offing for the
champions.
Chiefs might be the undisputed cup kings of local football but a look at the Absa Premiership standings and current form suggests the holders must be wary of the winds of change.
The enterprising Ajax, every neutral’s bet, are a team on a roll. They are top of the 16-team log after four rounds of matches.
Polokwane City were this past weekend the latest victim of the Urban Warriors juggernaut in a match that ended 2-1.
Nathan Paulse, is rolling back the years with some superb performances upfront while Abbubaker Mobara is the latest prospect in an ever productive conveyor belt that has churned out youthful talent regularly.
With other prospects such as Prince Nxumalo and Ndiviwe Mdabuka in their artillery, the chances of the Roger de Sa-coached Urban Warriors look bright.
However a player to look out for in the final is George Lebese. He is rampant.
The free-scoring Chiefs midfield maestro has undoubtedly been the best player in the local scene thus far this season.
He has almost single-handedly propelled Steve Khompela’s side to the final.
Another ace up the Amakhosi’s sleeve is the evergreen Siphiwe Tshabalala.
The livewire captain is one for the big occasions and has a knack of scoring memorable goals.
Former Ajax man Willard Katsande was deemed surplus to requirements during his stint at the Cape Town side only to become a vital cog in the Johannesburg teams’ midfield. He will thus be eager to prove a point to his former paymasters.
A capacity crowd is anticipated at the 45 459-seater.
“We have seen some impressive numbers in this year’s MTN8 competition when it comes to crowd attendance and we are anticipating another big turnout at the Nelson Mandela Bay on Saturday,” said PSL Chief Executive Officer, Brand de Villiers.
– CAJ News