Selolwane aims high at Ajax

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Thursday February 14, 2008 00:00

 

Though he spent six months without playing, whilst waiting for his residence/work permit from the South African Home Affairs ministry, by the time of his move to Ajax, Selolwane had started playing for Cosmos where it is understood he impressed coach/owner Jomo Sono.

But yesterday Selolwane told Mmegi Sport that his move to the Mother City was a step in the right direction. 'I cannot talk about Cosmos because it is water under the bridge. I stayed six months without playing and I believe that joining Ajax is a good move for my career,' he said. Selolwane told Mmegi Sport that when Ajax approached him, he did not hesitate to take the offer. The former Gaborone United hitman has signed for the Cape Town club until 2010. Selolwane made his long-awaited debut for Ajax last night when they hosted Bloemfontein Celtic at the Athlone Stadium. It is understood that Selolwane has been hired by the Capetonians to replace top striker Thembinkosi Fanteni, who has joined Israeli club, Maccabi Haifa. 'Everybody here is excited about my arrival. Most of them know my qualities because I have faced them in the Cape Town derby during my days at Santos,' Selolwane said. He further pointed out that he has set big goals for him at his new club. He asserted that he wants to help Ajax win the league this season.

Before their game against Celtic last night, Ajax were perched at the top of the Absa Premier Soccer League with 26 points from 15 games. Under the tutelage of Craig Rosslee, Ajax have been playing some excellent football, which has won them nationwide accolades. 'I want to help Ajax to continue winning and win the league title at the end of the season. It will mean a lot to me if I do well here and realise of our dream,' said the Zebras' leading marksman. Selolwane further praised the Cape side for believing in youth development. Almost 90 percent of the Ajax team is made up of youngsters who have continued to set the league alight.

At the just-ended African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, one of Ajax's brightest stars Bryce Moon had a storming tournament, which without doubt impressed European clubs looking for new blood. 'It is a great thing to believe in youth and as one of the senior players, I have a role of showing them (youngsters) the way. So far, we have been getting along well,' he told Mmegi Sport. On other issues, Selolwane has advised Botswana Football Association (BFA) to prepare well for the upcoming 2010 World Cup/AFCON qualifiers, which start in June. Zebras are expected to play four games in a month, which means the team will have to be in good shape. He emphasises that some of the youngsters in the national squad will need much exposure, hence it is important to play tough international friendly games. 'This will help them prepare for the demanding schedule,' he said.

Selolwane believes that gone are the days when the Zebras played the likes of Swaziland, Lesotho and even Namibia. 'We will always beat them. We have to go to West Africa and face countries like Togo, Mali and Cameroon, whose style is similar to that of Ivory Coast,' he said.

On reports that BFA plans to take the Zebras to Europe as part of the preparations for the SA 2010 World Cup, Selolwane dismissed the trip saying it will not serve any purpose Zebras have gone for training camps in Brazil and Belgium in the past, but results on their return have been disappointing.