Absa Premiership
Teams: Ajax - Swallows
Date: 13 February 2013
Venue: Cape Town Stadium
Ajax Cape Town and Moroka Swallows will both be hoping the new year brings a change in fortune with both teams finding themselves in the wrong half of the Absa Premiership table.
Zeca Marques’ men started the season in very solid fashion but the second quarter represented a significant downturn in fortunes.
The Dube Birds did record a win in their final fixture of 2012 against Platinum Stars but lost five straight in the build up to that victory right before two month lay-off for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Similarly, Ajax entered the enforced break in bad shape and we will witness a club in transition take to the field at the Cape Town Stadium.
Jan Pruijn replaced by fellow Dutchman Jan Versleijen as the head coach of the Urban Warriors who have also revamped their squad in anticipation for the second half of the season.
Mabhuti Khenyeza and Lance Davids both made a return to the team, while Abia Nale completed a move from Kaizer Chiefs.
Nale and Khenyeza have managed to win a place in the starting lineup whilst Davids has to content himself with a spot on the bench.
The Dube Birds were the first team to defeat Ajax this season and will be hoping for a repeat performance as they look to stay out of touching distance of tonight’s opponents.
The game represents an opportunity for Ajax, in 14th place, to leapfrog their 11th placed opposition should they win.
This is how they line up:
Ajax: Sean Roberts, Cecil Lolo, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thto Mokeke, Mosa Lebusa, Travish Graham, Khama Billiat. Toriq Losper, Keagan Dolly, Abia Nale, Mabhuti Khenyeza.
Swallows: Greg Etafia, Roger da Costa, Rudi Issacs, Gilbert Mapemba, Shere Lekgothoane, Giorgi Nergadze, Lefa Tsutsulupa, Katlego Mashego, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Bennett Chenene, Felix Obada.