The brand new GladAfrica Championship (NFD) kicks off this weekend.
Title hopefuls Ajax Cape Town hosted their traditional supporters open day to launch and announced their ambitions for the new season.
The jam-packed program included fan engagement with the players, a Q&A with the captain Isaac Nhlapo, a speech by the chairman Ari Efstathiou, friendly matches and head coach Andries Ulderink unveiling the club’s new signings.
The new players included leftback Cohen Stander from Mbombela United, midfielder Siphesihle Mkhize on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns, veteran striker Eleazar Rodgers, winger Abednigo Mosiatlhaga from Wits and 29-year-old former FC Twente goalkeeper Nick Hengelman.
Meanwhile, Khaya Mfecane, Asanele Velebayi and Bhongolwethu Siyasi were promoted from the club’s youth structures.
The Urban Warriors will host Free State Stars on Saturday at Athlone Stadium.
Cape Umoya launched their new kit for the new campaign and also took the opportunity to introduce their new players to the media.
They travel away to face Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at Thohoyandou also on Saturday.
Newly-promoted outfit Steenberg United are still undergoing internal restructuring for the new division. They have yet to make any official announcements.
They will play their opening match away against Pretoria University at Tuks Stadium.
It will be interesting to see how they shape up for the challenge ahead. It doesn’t look like they are making progress.
Weekend fixtures:
Saturday
- Maccabi FC v TS Sporting
- Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila v Cape Umoya
- Real Kings v Uthongathi
- Ajax v FS Stars
*All matches 3pm
Sunday
- TS Galaxy v Jomo Cosmos (1pm)
- Richards Bay v JDR Stars (3pm)
- AmaTuks v Steenberg (3pm)
- Royal Eagles v Mbombela United (3pm)