Mobara, from Woodlands Mitchells Plain captained the Ajax Cape Town U17 team in Amsterdam. He also captained the Ajax U17 team to the CTTFA League and Knock-Out titles as well as the Engen Knock-Out Challenge Championship in 2011.

Mobara, a centre/right-back crowned a great year by winning the 2011 Urban Warrior Award at the Ajax Cape Town Youth Academy Awards at the end of last season.

“Barra” will stay in Amsterdam for another week to train under the scrutiny of the AFC Ajax Youth Development technical team while the rest of his U17 teammates return home to prepare for the start of their league season.

On the other side of the world, Brett Evans came on in the second half for the Portland Timbers FC reserves (MSL) in a friendly against Sounders FC Reserves at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila.

Evans arrived in the USA over the weekend and joined the “Timbers” for a week-long trial. Brett holds the club record for Ajax Cape Town of more than 300 appearances since 1999, but he has made only a hand-full of appearances this season. Brett was capped twelve times at U23 level and four times for Bafana.

Portlands Timbers was alerted to Brett’s desire to continue his career overseas and invited the player for a trial.

Evans recently told a local website, “It is a difficult decision to make. Obviously I have been at Ajax for a long time but I want to play and I have to look at overseas possibilities to make that happen.”

Go to: Urban Warriors training abroad

Going into the second day of the tournament Ajax Cape Town needed a win over Bayern Munich to secure their qualification however an early penalty won the game for Bayern.

In their last group game a win or draw against Barcelona, would have secured Ajax qualification into the semi-final. The Spaniards dominated the possession throughout the game and they scored the winner in the second half to secure their place in the semi-finals.

The Urban Warriors finished in third place behind Barcelona FC and group winners Bayern Munich, one place above A C Milan.

In their final game of the tournament Ajax Cape Town held their own against Deportivo Brazil with goals by Riyaad Norodien and Ziggy Eksteen securing the draw. The Brazilians went on to win the game 7-5 on penalties to finish the tournament in fifth position.

In the other group, Ajax Amsterdam finished ahead of Manchester United to play Barcelona in the first semi-final, with United and Bayern playing for the remaining spot in Monday afternoon’s final.

Ajax Amsterdam won the Aegon Future Cup Championship when they beat Manchester United 5-3 on penalties after finishing the final with a come from behind 2-2 draw.

The group stage results for Ajax Cape Town are as follows; -
Group Stages
Ajax Cape Town 1 – 0 A C Milan (Ajax goals-scorers – Riyaad Norodien and Ziyaad Eksteen)
Bayern Munich 1 – 0 Ajax Cape Town
Ajax Cape Town 0 – 1 Barcelona FC

5th/6th Playoff
Ajax Cape Town 2 – 2 Deportivo Brazil (Ajax goals-scorers – Riyaad Norodien and Ziyaad Eksteen)
Deportivo won 7-5 on penalties)

Go to: 2012 Aegon Future Cup wrap-up

Latest news – Ajax Cape Town beat A C Milan 2-1 in the first game of the Aegon Future Cup.

Go to: Amsterdam Tour Diary Days 7 and 8

Zaakir Williams scored the solitary goal in the second to secure Ajax Cape Town’s win. The Ajax striker won the ball on the edge of the Spurs penalty area and fired the ball into the back of the net.

The win saw Ajax finish top of their group with nine points and fixtured to play Mamelodi Sundowns in the winners section last 16 game.

The game was an entertaining affair ending with a one-all draw after extra time. Sundowns won through to the quarter-finals after beating Ajax 4-3 on penalties.
 

Go to: Ajax knocked-out

The Urban Warriors repelled an early attack from Siyabonga Nomvete to take the lead in the 24th minute of the game when Matthew Booth knocked down a Billiat corner-kick for Carelse to score with a back-heel on the goal line.

Ajax controlled the pace of the game in the first half and they could have added to the score-line but for the heroics of the Swallows keeper.

Ajax were back on the scoreboard six minutes into the second half when Lebo Manyama powered his way into the penalty area to chip the ball over an advancing Greg Etafia to give Ajax a two goal lead.

Swallows were not to be denied a goal and they were rewarded when Thulani Hlatswayo’s back header to Westerveld was intercepted by Nomvete who made no mistake from close range.

Spurred by the goal Swallows took the game to Ajax in search of an equaliser but it was Ajax who almost scored when Khama Billiat’s shot at goal was saved by Etafia.

A counter-attack by Swallows resulted in their second goal when Nomvete latched on the ball in a crowded Ajax penalty area to fire a low shot past Westerveld.

Ajax won a free-kick in extra time, Jenniker fired a shot at the far post but Nergadze cleared the danger.

Ajax remain in seventh place on 34 points, the Urban Warriors play two away games (Wits and Supersport) before they return home to pay Orlando Pirates on Friday, April 27 at the Cape Town Stadium.
 

Go to: Ajax & Swallows all square

The Urban Warriors played Milano United and the game was played at a high tempo from the start.

Both teams used their midfielders to launch their attacks but it was Williams who fired the first shot at goal. Zaakier cut inside from the right flank and fired his long range shot goal-wards, the shot hit the cross bar to the relief of the Milano bench.

Williams hit the back of the net minutes later with a well-placed shot at the near post to give Ajax the lead.

In the second half, Milano fought back forcing a number of corners but the Ajax defence was not tested.

Michael Kwong had possibly the best chance to score in the second half when he stole in at the far post, but his shot flew over the bar.

Ajax Cape Towns remaining fixtures are;
1. vs Aces Academy, Fri 06 Apr k/o@ 16h45
2. vs Ariel Spurs, Sat 07 Apr, k/o@ 12h45

Go to: Lone strike wins it for Ajax

The Urban Warriors suffered an early set-back when they lost the services of Bantu Mzwakali, his replacement Charles Basson went on to play a starring role in the Ajax win.

Ajax opened the scoring as early as the second minute of the game when Tasreeq Morris broke clear of his marker and slotted the ball past the Aces keeper.

Aces were pinned back in their own half for long periods of the first half as Ajax searched for another goal; they had three clear chances but could not hit the back of the net.

On one occasion three Ajax players attacked a cross into the box but somehow they got in each other’s way with the goal at their mercy as the ball sped across the goal area.

In the second half the Urban Warriors were more composed and they took the game to Aces. The visitors played on the counter attack however Kyle Peters was alert and he made a few good saves to deny the Aces strikers.

Zaakir Williams and Tasreeq Morris came closest to scoring for Ajax with a shot over the bar and a goal-line clearance thwarting their efforts respectively.

Taahir Ganga replaced Williams and made an immediate impact forcing a desperate save off the Aces keeper, then he latched onto a Michael Kwong corner to head home giving Ajax a 2-0 lead.

The goal took the wind out of Aces sails and six minutes later Charlton Basson scored with a header to make it three nil.

Michael Kwong turned from provider to goal-scorer when he hit a long range shot into the bottom corner of the Aces net (4-0) to secure Ajax Cape Town’s position at the top of the Group H standings.

Remaining fixtures are;
1. Ajax Cape Town vs Ariel Spurs, Sat 07 Apr, k/o@ 12h45
2. Winner of Group H v  Second of Group E, Sat 07 Apr, k/o @ 20h00

Go to: Ajax hit Aces for 4

Ajax won five games in a row from December 04 to February 19 however the Urban Warriors have been without a win since February 25 and Stekelenburg is challenged to find the answers.

At a pre-match press conference Stekelenburg said, “We need to tackle the issue of inconsistency of form with the team. These are the same players that produced a five match winning streak yet the same team have not won a game since February.

It’s not that we are playing badly; it’s just that we are not taking our chances and the opposition is taking theirs. Against Sundowns at Newlands we matched them on the field throughout the first half, we created four scoring opportunities in the first 30 minutes then they scored in the 39th minute, we also created scoring chances in the second half but could not find the back of the net.

We also played well against Amazulu on all three occasions and against Free State Stars even when we were reduced to 10 men.

We have proved that we can score goals and defend solidly. I have said that we need to show more urgency in our game, be more clinical in front of goal and make the right choices at crucial moments of the game. 

We cannot afford to drop any points if we want to stay in touch with the chasing pack. There are still nine games to go and anything can happen, if we collect points and the other teams drop points then we are back amongst the chasing pack.

We will give Cosmos the respect that they deserve however we are going to the Sinaba Stadium to collect three points.”

Go to: We need to win – Stekelenburg

The players enjoyed tea and snacks before a walk to the nearby beach. 
 
A casual stroll down the beach and back up to the hotel loosened the legs. The squad returned to De Toekomst for an insightful address on nutrition led by Ajax Amsterdam’s in-house dietician Jacqueline.
 
Soon it was time to prepare for the game against Almere City and the squad attended a video analysis session followed by the pre-match meal. The players boarded their transport for a trip to Almere.

Almere has a population of around 250,000 and the main facility in the area boasts ten pitches and a stadium with a capacity of 5 000. Almere City FC is the most recent team to gain professional status into the Second Divison in the Netherlands.
 
At the stadium the line-up for the friendly was announced and it was noted that Almere City had recently defeated Ajax Amsterdam in a knock-out competition.
 
Ajax settled early, the players were comfortable on the ball; controlling most of the possession in the first half and winning the ball back quickly. The players seemed to have settled in their new environment and this showed on the field of play.
 
The overall play improved since the last game; however the play in the final third did not match the build-up. Justin Jacobus was unfortunate to see his goal-bound shot hit the crossbar and the teams went into the break without a goal registered on the scoreboard.
 
The coach made changes ahead of the second half and the game opened up as both sides went in search of a goal.

Sebastian Bailey, the Ajax goalkeeper was on fine form, he made two excellent saves in the second half. At the other end of the field the Ajax strikers had a number of attempts at goal from long range but their shots never really tested the Almere City keeper and the evening ended in a 0-0 draw.

The players thanked their hosts before making the trip back to their hotel for a good nights rest ahead of the countdown for the 2012 Aegon Future Cup.

Photo’s: Ajax.nl/Louis van de Vuurst

Go to: U17 Amsterdam Tour Diary Day 6

The Urban Warriors are ready and the Ajax coach, Ian Taylor is confident of winning through to the next round.

He said, “We put in the hard work on the training field in preparation for this tournament, in fact the team wound up their final training session this morning at Ikamva. The team will go into camp for the remainder of the tournament in order to ensure that the players remain focused on winning through to the final.

We were hit by the exclusion of a few of our players who left for Amsterdam last week as part of the Ajax Cape Town U17 team who are playing in the Aegon Future Cup.

We have replaced those players and by all indications the players are prepared to go all the way. Playing Milano in the first game is good for my team because we are familiar with their style and have an idea of what type of game to expect.

As for Ariel Spurs and Aces Academy we will have an opportunity to watch them play before we cross paths. We will not under estimate any opposition and we are planning to go all the way this year.

We have a balanced squad and the team is looking very sharp.”

Go to: Ajax ready for Metropolitan Premier Cup

The goals scored by Khama Billiat (82nd min) and Alcardo van Graan (86th min) ensured that the Urban Warriors return to the Mother City buoyed by their win as they prepare for the next fixture against Moroka Swallows on Saturday evening at the Cape Town Stadium.

The game started with the home side in an attacking mode and they were soon on the scoreboard with only eleven minutes on the clock when Katleho Loke scored from a 25m direct free-kick.

Cosmos took control of the game resulting in a double substitution by the Ajax bench, bringing on Rusike and Maluleka for Thato Mokeke and George Akpabio.

With time running out Maarten Stekelenburg, looking for more bite up-front, made a decisive substitution in the 79th minute replacing Brent Carelse for Alcardo van Graan.

The change paid off when Billiat equalised with a low drive from close range in the 82nd minute and substitute Van Graan sealed the result four minutes later when he scored from a Billiat pass to secure all three points for Ajax.

Go to: Ajax rally with 2 late goals

The Ajax players arrived to a warm welcome and immediately set about leading the warm-up session between the two Easter Soccer Tournament finalists before handing over the stage to the players of the two teams.

The final was a hotly contested affair that went to a penalty shootout that was won by the staff of B1.

After the final, the staff and players posed with the Ajax players as the paparazzi snapped away, taking photos from every possible angle before the Urban Warriors made their way to the courtyard of the Red Cross Childrens Trust to autograph posters for the staff.

The players then made their way to Ward E1 to meet and greet the patients, their parents and the staff.

The kids and staff were delighted when they saw the Ajax players enter the ward. Leading from the front the Ajax captain; Granwald Scott led the players into the wards to chat with the children and their parents. Eager, smiling faces greeted the players and the children responded positively to the surprise visit by the Urban Warriors who shared words of kindness and even posed with the children for parents to take photos.

The players also signed autographs before bidding their farewells.

For Matthew Booth it was a poignant moment because he spent time at the Red Cross Childrens Hospital as a patient, making weekly visits as an asthma patient.

Below is a snippet of a hanks mail received from the Red Cross Childrens Trust

Good Afternoon Ajax Cape Town

I would like to thank you and the amazing Ajax Cape Town soccer team for your attendance and support at the Easter Soccer finals soccer game today. The event was a huge success and we could not have done it without you.

The Red Cross Childrens Hospital is the only stand alone; specialist hospital in southern Africa dedicated entirely to the healthcare of children and manages more than 260 000 patient visits each year. The Hospital holds the hopes and dreams of desperately ill children from across Africa, children whose lives have been altered by the tragedy of childhood disease.

The Hospital’s dedicated staff manages more than just our special patients; they manage the anxious hearts of families who stand alongside their little ones as they fight to get better. For thousands of brave children, the Red Cross War Memorial Childrens Hospital is often their only hope to a future.

It is the very courage of these children that continues to drive the Childrens Hospital Trust to fundraise for this great institution and Paediatric Healthcare in the Western Cape. 

Thank you once again for your continued support and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Go to: Ajax @ Red Cross

Unfortunately the short time at the golf driving range was clearly not enough to produce the next Ernie Els.
 
Tomorrow the team will start their preparation for the friendly with a walk along the beach before enjoying a pre-match meal and the trip to Almere.
 

Go to: Amsterdam Tour Diary Day 5

Go to: U17 Amsterdam Tour Diary Day 3

Go to: U17 Amsterdam Tour Diary Day 4

Boys and girls lined up amidst excited chatter as they waited for the rain to clear before they went out onto the field. The Ajax coaches welcomed the Reddam pupils and teaching staff who accompanied them, before showing them the basics of the beautiful game.

The visit was two-fold; the first group enjoyed a tour of the Ajax Cape Town facilities while the second group enjoyed the training drill from the Ajax coaches.

Coinciding with the visit of the Reddam pupils was an introductory from the new Head of Brand Marketing of the PSL, Sharon Ditshego. Her visit at Ajax was to meet and greet the marketing staff at Ikamva as well as to share info about the PSL’s new marketing strategy.

After the meeting Sharon had time to chat with the Reddam kids and pose for photos on the steps of Ikamva.

Soon afterwards the call of “Booooooth” rang out as Matthew Booth came to greet the kids.

In order to arrange for your school to enjoy the Ajax Experience contact: – Shooz Mekuto – shooz@ ajaxct.co.za. 
 

Go to: Reddam House visits Ikamva