Ajax pin hopes on two heroes

Two players on a path of redemption could be key to Ajax Cape Town's hopes of pulling off an upset win over runaway Premier Soccer League leaders Kaizer Chiefs at Soccer City tonight.

Attackers Franklin Cale and Erwin Isaacs will both line up for the match with coach Roger de Sa hoping they could be key.

"They are warriors, battlers, soldiers," said the coach of two players who have been capped by Bafana Bafana but not lived up to their potential.

Cale has battled with knee problems and cannot play every game, says his coach, but Isaacs is relishing a return to his home town after several dry years in Johannesburg.

Cale has seen little game time over the last year with consistent injury and feels he owes his team-mates and the club, who have been patient with him as he worked his way back to fitness.

Better known as a winger, he has been given a new forward role by De Sa who is seeking to form a partnership with Isaacs.

"It has been nice playing there. The coach has given me more opportunity to go forward," said Cale on the eve of the game.

Isaacs, once a high profile target for Chiefs, scored a wonder strike for Ajax against Chippa United last Friday and promised more of the same now that he is back in the Cape on loan from Bidvest Wits.

"For me it was not easy being in Johannesburg. Cape Town is home for me. Now is the time for me to work hard and to be in the starting line-up every week.

"It is difficult and I'm going to take it game by game. But I know the goals will come with more match fitness and as I get sharper.

"I know I can score more. I'd like to score more goals like I did against Chippa," said Isaacs.

PSL Fixtures

Tonight

Soccer City: Chiefs vs Ajax (7.30pm)

Charles Mopeli: FS Stars vs Pirates (7.30pm)

Nelson Mandela Bay: Chippa vs Polokwane (7.30pm)