Following what many felt was an average season, Ajax Cape Town have made it clear they intend to open their cheque book.

According to the club official website, Ajax are planning some surprises ahead of the 2012/2013 season in their playing personnel.

The club website reports that a new face at training for the past week has been Koen van de Laak, a Dutch player who played for the Dutch Eredivisie club FC Groningen.

Koen, an attacking midfielder started his professional career at FC Den Bosch in 2000 and moved to FC Groningen in 2005. His move from FC Den Bosch to FC Gronigen was prompted by his ability to score from the midfield and that he was the top goal-scorer at Deb Bosch on more than one occasion.

Van de Laak enjoyed his best season at FC Den Bosch in the 2002/3 season scoring 17 goals in 29 games and he followed this achievement with 16 goals in 34 games in the 2003/4 season

In 2009/2010 Koen was appointed as the captain FC Gronigen, qualifying twice for the UEFA league in his time at the club, a unique achievement in the history of FC Gronigen.

Van de Laak left FC Groningen at the end of the 2011/2012 season, after his contract expired.

Koen represented the Dutch U21 team eight times between 2000 and 2004.

Another interesting spectator at Ajax Cape Town’s training on Wednesday was Lance Davids, an ex-Ajax Cape Town player with Bafana credentials.

BY Obakeng Rachwene

Ajax break losing streak

Posted: Apr 4 2012

Ajax Cape Town scored twice in the last eight minutes to claim a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Jomo Cosmos at Sinaba Stadium on Wednesday night. 

The victory for the Urban Warriors broke a three-game losing streak, while Ezenkosi remain rooted to the bottom of the table and will be disappointed at having given away all three points in a game that they looked to be in control of until late on.

Cosmos started with real intent and took the lead after just 11 minutes, with Katleho Loke scoring direct from a free kick 25 yards from goal. Siyabonga Nhlapo had won the set piece for his side, drawing a foul from Thato Mokeke.

Ajax looked for a quick reply, as Khama Billiat tried his hand from long range in the 17th minute – the Zimbabwean caught the shot cleanly, but goalkeeper Avril Phali was able to make a comfortable save.

Cosmos continued to look the more dangerous team in attack in what remained of the first half, though for the most part they were restricted to long range efforts from the likes of Nhlapo and winger Matthew Rusike that failed to trouble Ajax ‘keeper Sander Westerveld.

In the second half Cosmos continued to look like a team in control, though they persisted in trying to beat Westerveld from long range rather than look to patiently build up and try pick a way through Ajax’s defence.

The Cape side made a double change just before the hour mark by introducing Tafadzwa Rusike and George Maluleka – coach Maarten Stekelenburg clearly wanted more creativity and incisiveness in the final third of the field.

Ajax had to wait until the 82nd minute to finally create a clear scoring chance and Billiat duly took advantage, driving home a low shot from 18 yards out to make it 1-1.

Four minutes later it got even better for the visitors, as Billiat turned provider for substitute striker Alcardo van Graan to score from close range and make it 2-1, completing a remarkable and dramatic turnaround for the Urban Warriors.