Our Youth Our Future: Ajax Cape Town’s future stars
From our first day as part of the South African football landscape, Ajax Cape Town has made it our main priority to develop future stars.
Amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic football’s immediate future looks very cloudy and full of uncertainty. Our priority, though, will continue to remain the same — with a strong focus on nurturing future talent.
The Urban Warriors have always proudly boasted about having a youthful squad and although experience plays a vital part in football, giving young players exposure is part and parcel of our genetic makeup and policy of our club.
This season we have had a good balance of novice and experienced players within our squad as we aim to win promotion back into the Absa Premiership.
In total, 13 of the club’s 26-man squad are 23-years-old or younger which is exactly half. Of the 13, only two players — Thendo Mukumela and Siphesihle Mkhize — didn’t come through the Urban Warriors youth academy.
Full list of players under the age of 23:
Renaldo Leaner 22-years-old (GK)
Darren Johnson 23-years-old (GK)
Thendo Mukumela 22-years-old (DM, DF)
Grant Margeman 21-years-old (CM) – Also the vice-captain
Masilake Phohlongo 22-years-old (AM)
Siphesihle Mkhize 21-years-old (DM)
Asanele Velebayi 18-years-old (AM)
Keenan Abrahams 21-years-old (DM)
Bongolwethu Siyasi 18-years-old (CB, RB)
Riyaaz Koopstadt 21-years-old (CM)
Kegan Johannes 19-years-old (CB, RB)
Sonwabile Mfecane 21-years-old (AM)
Kiyaam Bull 20-years-old (CB)
Another interesting fact is that 11 of the 13 players have national call-ups under their belt, which is a fantastic compliment to the quality of Ajax Cape Town players.
We are looking forward to what the future brings for us as a club after the lockdown.