Ajax on the rise after three victories

AJAX Cape Town coach Stanley Menzo believes his side have turned the corner as he casts his mind ahead to a crucial Premiership clash away at Highlands Park on Wednesday next week.

Ajax have won three games in a row‚ including a 2-0 home success over champions Mamelodi Sundowns‚ and lifted themselves off the bottom of the table after the worst start to a PSL season in the club’s history.

Another victory over basement side Highlands Park could send them seven points clear of the drop zone and thinking of a top-eight place.

But defeat could see them potentially sucked back into the relegation mix.

Menzo believes it has been a shift in mind-set from his side more than anything that has seen them pick up their hat-trick of victories‚ the latest a 1-0 win over a stubborn Lamontville Golden Arrows on Saturday.

It was a dire game that was settled by Nathan Paulse’s late goal.

“We are on track‚ the players have started to work hard and they are starting to believe ‘we can win it’‚” he said.

“Even when we were struggling in the second half [against Golden Arrows]‚ they believed we could win.

“As long as you believe‚ the chance [to win the game] will come.”

Menzo was also boosted by the return from a facial injury of Paulse‚ who won the penalty that led to the winning goal and then turned home the rebound after his spotkick was saved by Nkosi Gumede in the Golden Arrows goal.

“It was a good moment to bring Nathan on. He looked good and he trained well,” Menzo said.

“Prince [Nxumalo] was not really in the game. It is a team effort and the next guy to come in has to correct that and he [Paulse] did.”

Menzo said the improved defensive display of his team‚ which has seen them keep back-to-back clean sheets‚ was as pleasing as the wins.

“As long as the goalkeeper keeps a clean sheet we have one point and that’s important to give confidence,” he said. “For a young team like this it is not easy after a win against Sundowns to play a game like this‚ where the opposition make it very difficult for you.

“Discipline‚ organisation is important‚ and that we did well.

“What we were lacking was finding the free man‚ creating chances in the small space. But that will come,” Menzo said.

After Highlands Park‚ Ajax finish their year with an away trip to another struggling side‚ Bloemfontein Celtic (December 17) and then have a home game against Chippa United (December 21).

The players have started to work hard and they are starting to believe ‘we can win it’