Bush Bucks 0
By Rodney Reiners
Ajax Cape Town and Bush Bucks produced a football match littered with goalmouth action, but both teams were dismal in their attempts to get the ball in the net.
In 90 minutes of play, the two teams must have shared upwards of 30 scoring chances, but amazingly it remained scoreless.
But it is perhaps also a blessing in disguise for Ajax that this type of performance comes early in the season. The warning signs are there: if they don't get things right, they will be punished by teams better than Bush Bucks.
The Umtata-based side are just a hard-running and workmanlike team, yet they easily pierced the Ajax defensive line.
Swazi international Dennis Masina and Zimbabwean Wilfred Mugeyi's intelligent runs created havoc, but Ajax had the composure and vision of sweeper-keeper Calvin Marlin to thank for their keeping a clean sheet.
The main premise of the Ajax system is to create space and options by running off the ball. It is to get the ball wide and put the opposition under pressure from the flanks.
There was little of that on display from Ajax on Sunday - and many of their opportunities were created only because of a fine individual showing from Shaun Potgieter.
Ajax were simply too static, spending too much time watching the man in possession. They were guilty of over-elaboration and lacked ideas in and around the penalty area.
They did not have a player capable of taking responsibility in the area. It seemed they were determined to walk the ball into the net when a decisive shot would have been the better option.
In fact, a summary of Ajax's downfall on Sunday reads like a check-list of "don'ts" for their local under-15 side - wrong options, over-hit passes, silly decisions in crucial areas, giving the ball to the opposition, lack of patience when in possession and no confidence in the penalty area.
There is a lot for coach Rob McDonald to work on. There's nothing wrong with wanting to play entertaining football, but at the moment Ajax are simply committing suicide when they have to defend and their attempts in front of goal are laughable.
At least there was a silver lining for Ajax in another mature, flawless performance from 19-year-old left-footer Brett Evans.
Confident, composed and elegant, Evans should surely be playing in one of the big European leagues - he's just too good for this lot.
Ajax: Calvin Marlin, Marciano Vink (Mfundo Mathonsi 80th), Duran Francis, Brett Evans, Ashley Opperman, Eddie Dinha, Dillon Sheppard, Rowan Hendricks, Shaun Potgieter (Jeremy Overbeek-Bloem 89th), Duncan Lechesa (Rashied Thorne 75th), Brent Carelse
Bush Bucks: Arthur Bartman, Nkanyiso Buthelezi, Dumisani Mpofu, Marvan Klaasen, John Maduka, Siyabonga Siphika, Siza Dlamini, Dennis Vukubi, Clement Mazibuko, Dennis Masina, Wilfred Mugeyi
(Isaks 19th Petersen 24th)
Moroka Swallows were comfortable winners at the Rand Stadium on Sunday, reports Sapa.
Abram Isaks capitalised on a mistake by Rangers defender Helder Muianga to net the opening goal. Former Hellenic wingback Peter Petersen, signed in the off-season, got the second.
(Mbele 60th Marumo 89th)
Simba Marumo spectacularly announced his arrival on the domestic football scene by inspiring Sundowns to victory in a BP Top Eight semifinal. Marumo created the opener for Papi Mbele and hit a stunning second goal.
- Fixtures.
Tuesday: Ria Stars v AmaZulu
Wednesday: Kaizer Chiefs v Classic; Ajax Cape Town v Jomo Cosmos (Newlands, 8pm)
Sunday: Ajax v AmaZulu (Newlands, 3pm); Classic v Leopards; Arrows v Bush Bucks
Top Eight semi-final, Saturday: Chiefs v Pirates