Tipped to fill in the void left by influential duo Thabo Nodada and Roland Putsche who are out injured, Travis Graham is aware of the responsibility that lies ahead and will do the best he can to return the trust showed to him by Cape Town City.
The Citizens’ chairman John Comitis’ faith in Graham is overwhelming.
Since being completely frozen out by Ajax Cape Town for the entire 2017/18 season, Graham hasn’t played competitive football in almost 18 months.
But that was water off a duck’s back for Comitis, who was looking for an immediate replacement when two of his key players were sidelined with long-term injuries in the middle of the season.
“For now, it’s just trying to get back to the market and try to get as much games and help the team,” says Graham.
“I won’t say I am 100% fit to start, but I will help wherever I can. (Coach) Benni (McCarthy) understands the situation and I have taken most of his advice.”
Graham joined Ajax’s youth ranks in 2002, worked his way to a first team debut in the 2012/13 season, and was made captain in 2014, aged 21.
He led the team to MTN8 glory in 2015, which caught the eye of suitors locally and abroad. But to his surprise, Ajax threw him to the dogs when he requested that they listened to the offers.
“Look, what happened at Ajax happened, and it’s in the past - it was disappointing considering that I’d been with the club for a while.
“I did ask to leave, but unfortunately we were not on the same page,” he explains.
Ajax ended up being relegated that same season, but things are a lot different at his new club.
City are gunning for their second silverware this season, after already bagging the MTN8. They are fourth on the log standings and trail leaders Wits by five points.
Their next assignment is away to Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday night at 7.30pm.