Matthew Booth played a massive role in the centre of defence for Ajax Cape Town during what was a traumatic relegation-threatened 2012/13 season.
The Urban Warriors flirted with disaster and only the timely arrival of Mushin Ertugral stabilised the ship, and helped save the club from disaster.
It might have been easy to think Booth would stay on in Cape Town and continue working with Ertugral as the Turkish coach thought highly of the 36-year-old. He often referred to the lanky defender as one of the key ‘satellites’ in his side. So, after helping save Ajax from the drop, why did Booth choose to move to Wits instead? The Siya crew put this question to the 37-cap Bafana Bafana international.
Booth said, “I’m glad to have rested up after such a traumatic season. When I decided to leave Ajax, it was important for me to know Gavin Hunt was interested. I had a good chat with him when I arrived at training. I think the fact that Ajax delayed a little bit with regards signing me or not – I wasn’t quite sure what was going to happen. This played a role in my decision. Obviously, everybody was unsure about the relegation situation and the future of the club (at the time). It wasn’t nice to be in limbo and then have a club calling you and saying they want you. But I’m glad to be at Wits now.”
By Soccer-Laduma
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