How Ajax and Stars measure up one-on-one
28 November 2008, 10:43
Urban Warriors are in better form and have the better Telkom record over the past three years, but Stars are seldom easy pickings
Sunday
Venue: Absa Stadium, East London
Time: 3pm
TV: SS4
Probable line-ups
Stars (4-4-2): Mweene; Matola, Mensah, Nkosi, Cloete; Maleka Lechesa, Olomu, Madimabe; Masehe, Motaung
Ajax (4-4-2): Roberts; Allie, Ferreira, Daniels, Evans; Doutie, Ngobeni, Shabalala, Cale; Vilakazi, Khenyeza
Prediction: Ajax to progress to final for the second time in three years
Key Clashes
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Sipho Nkosi v Mabhudi KhenyezaVenue: Absa Stadium, East London
Time: 3pm
TV: SS4
Probable line-ups
Stars (4-4-2): Mweene; Matola, Mensah, Nkosi, Cloete; Maleka Lechesa, Olomu, Madimabe; Masehe, Motaung
Ajax (4-4-2): Roberts; Allie, Ferreira, Daniels, Evans; Doutie, Ngobeni, Shabalala, Cale; Vilakazi, Khenyeza
Prediction: Ajax to progress to final for the second time in three years
Khenyeza has been in scintillating form this season, netting vital goals for Ajax, which means Nkosi will have to be on his toes on Sunday afternoon. He is Stars' most astute defender and will have to keep a watchful eye on the tricky Khenyeza.
Why Nkosi may have the edge
Take a look at the number of goals Stars have conceded this season, and you will most probably not be impressed. They have conceded 12 goals in nine games. Although they have been horrendous at the back, there is one player who has saved the side on many occasions. His timely tackles have been crucial this season and they will certainly be looking to him to do exactly that on Sunday.
Why Khenyeza may have the edge
He is slowly maturing into a deadly goalpoacher and one of the most feared in the league. He takes most of the chances that are created for him. The former Kaizer Chiefs marksman has the ability to hold up the ball for his teammates and also create chances for them. He has also shown great ability in the air, scoring a few goals with the head.
Prediction: Khenyeza will have the edge over Nkosi.
Paulos Masehe v Eduardo Ferreira
Masehe has not been in the best of form since joining Stars at the beginning of the season and he will certainly have a tough task in trying to break through the Ajax defence. One player he may find it a mission to get past is Eduardo Ferreira, who has been in excellent form for the Urban Warriors. Stars have been appalling in front of goal this season and Masehe will have to at his best when he comes up against the Brazilian.
Why Masehe may have the edge
Masehe does not find the back of the net on a regular basis. But he has the ability to create opportunities regularly with his pace. He can also run into great areas, which usually confuses opposition defenders.
Why Ferreira may have the edge
He is not the tallest of players, but his aerial presence, when defending and when on attack, is the strongest point in his game. Ajax have profited from this as he has found the back of the net more often than other defenders campaigning in the league.
Prediction: Ferreira likely to keep the former Pirates striker at bay.
Prince Olomu v Clifford Ngobeni
The battle between the two will surely have an impact on the final result. Both are hard working midfielders and it will no doubt be a tantalising battle. Ngobeni is still trying to find his feet after returning from an injury at the beginning of the season, while Olomu has been a stalwart in the Stars midfield. Olomu was left out of the squad last weekend against Mamelodi Sundowns, but will most probably get the nod for a place in the starting eleven.
Why Olomu may have the edge
The Nigerian's distribution skills are top notch, but the strikers have obviously failed to utilise some of his defence splitting passes. His stamina is another one of his strengths. He has also scored a few goals for the side
Why Ngobeni may have the edge
His physical presence may be deceptive, but Ngobeni is a key figure in the heart of Ajax's midfield. His ability to break down attacks from the midfield will certainly be crucial for his side as they look to progress to the final.
Prediction: Olomu will get the better of Ngobeni
Meet the men in the hot seats
Full name: Mbayisilo Steve Komphela
Born: May 24, 1967
Place of Birth: Kroonstad
Coaching career: Manning Rangers (2002/03), Dynamos (2003/04), South Africa Under-20 (2004), Maritzburg United (2006/07), South Africa Under-23 (2005-2008)
Playing career: Free State Stars (1993), Gaziantepspor, Turkey (1993-1996), Canakkale Dardanelspor, Turkey (1996-1997)
Honours: 24 caps for Bafana Bafana
His homecoming was not all pleasant, Stars salvaging a draw against Mamelodi Sundowns after they had taken the lead. He, along with co-coach Themba Sithole, will have a mighty task ahead as Stars have not had the best of starts this season. He has not bagged much silverware in his coaching career and will be hoping that the Telkom Knockout trophy will head off to the Free State when the tournament comes to an end.
Full name: Craig William Rosslee
Born: January 1, 1970
Place of Birth: Cape Town
Coaching career: Cape Town Hotspur (2004-2005), Ajax Cape Town under-15s (2005), Ajax Cape Town under-13s (2006), Ajax Cape Townsenior team (2007/08)
Playing career: Cape Town Spurs (1990-1999), Hellenic (2000-2003), Santos (2004)
Honours: None
Rosslee is not that experienced as a coaching, but he has certainly made an impact with the Urban Warriors first team since taking over from Muhsin Ertugral at the beginning of last season. He is yet to win any trophies in his coaching career, which may be extra motivation for him and his side to go all the way and clinch the one that barely eluded them three years ago. Ajax managed to get the better of Free State Stars in a league encounter a few weeks ago and he will no doubt want to again overcome the threat the inconsistent El la Koto pose.
- This article was originally published on page 7 of The Star on November 28, 2008
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