& ' (
SATURDAY S Nedbank Cup final has been billed as the battle between Ajax Cape Town s youthful and the considerable player muscle and experience of Mamelodi Sundowns millionaires.
Ajax s ambitious 20somethings have progressed together from youth level, some from as far back as the under-11s. Among them are:
Rivaldo Coetzee Coetzee s unflappable calmness had former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena tipping him for a bright future. At 17 years he became the youngest player to play for the senior national team when he featured in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo last year. His centre-back partnership with 20-year-old Abbubaker Mobara is one of the youngest ever in the PSL.
Keagan Dolly Last season s PSL young player of the season has had a difficult follow-up year, mostly due to injury. When he s on song the 22-year-old makes Ajax tick, and the playmaking left winger s absence from November to February was a major contributor to a period of slump for the Urban Warriors. Made his Bafana debut against Sudan last year.
Travis Graham Graham is yet to earn a Bafana call-up but it is a sign of the respect with which he is held at Ajax that the playmaker has been made captain at 22. Ajax have rejected overseas offers for a player who will be out to prove his worth against the likes of Hlompo Kekana and Teko Modise in a cup final midfield battle.
Tashreeq Morris Morris (20) is Ajax s league top scorer, and his injurytime winner in the semi-final against SuperSport United booked the Urban Warriors their place in the final. Sundowns player muscle:
Teko Modise Rejuvenated Modise has been arguably Downs player of the year for a second season running. His central midfield combination with Kekana and Bongani Zungu is one of the strongest in the PSL. Mzikayise Mashaba
Sundowns form player, having scored three goals in two games since being pushed up from leftback to left midfield. Khama Billiat The Zimbabwean winger will look for a big performance against his old team. On his day one of the most dangerous attacking players in the PSL, with breathtaking close control, Billiat is yet to realise his potential.
Katlego Mashego With goals drying up for Cuthbert Malajila, Mosimane has turned to the experienced Mashego as go-to man. Never prolific, he can set play up for runners around him and score at crucial moments.