Ocean breeze blows De Sa to Ajax

There was little surprise when Ajax Cape Town unveiled Roger de Sa as their new coach yesterday.

Even De Sa had tweeted the night before, "Ocean breeze and a mountain view. Could be good for me", providing the strongest hint yet that he was about to join Ajax.

The Urban Warriors said they have been impressed by De Sa's PSL experience and his history of working with development structures, most notably at Wits where he had great success in bringing through young talent.

Ajax had initially sent through a list of five names for the vacant post to mother club Ajax Amsterdam, which did not include De Sa.

When the 49-year-old suddenly became available following his resignation from Orlando Pirates late last month, he was immediately installed as favourite despite denials from both sides.

"After a long deliberation and thorough analysis of all the applications that we have received, we believe we have found the right man to steer us forward," Ajax executive director Ari Efstathiou said.

"Roger has proved himself as an astute coach with a good understanding of South African football, having coached at Wits [twice], Santos and Orlando Pirates.

"He supports youth development, which is fundamental to Ajax Cape Town future plans, and has during his time at Wits introduced many youth players who have succeeded internationally and in the PSL.

"In the 2002-03 season, Roger won the PSL Coach of the Year award while holding the reins of Bidvest Wits. He also coached at national level, having assisted Carlos Quieroz [with Portugal] as a goalkeeper coach.

"We have a young squad and Roger is a players' coach, having played the game at professional level with Moroka Swallows, Mamelodi Sundowns and Wits. His experience as a player gives him a distinct advantage as a coach."

De Sa takes over from Ian Taylor, who led the side in five matches following the departure of Muhsin Ertugral last month.

Taylor won once, drew one match and lost three times.

The new coach faces a baptism of fire when he sits on the bench for the first time tonight as Ajax look to advance to the second round of the Nedbank Cup at the expense of in-form Mamelodi Sundowns at Athlone Stadium.