Ajax coach Menzo blasts his own players

Ajax Cape Town coach Stanley Menzo hit out at his players’ attitude in their final match of the season as they squandered a chance to finish in the top eight and complete a strong recovery over the last six months.

“It was very disappointing the way we played with our players just going through the motions‚” he said after the 1-0 home loss to Baroka FC on Saturday saw Ajax drop from eighth place and finish 10th in the final Premier Soccer League standings.

“I thought we’d finish the season in the right and proper way but it was one game too many. I did not see that Ajax that I’ve seen over the last three weeks.

Ajax had won three games in a row and then held Orlando Pirates away in their penultimate game to set up themselves for a top eight finish and a place in next season’s MTN8 competition.

• Ajax coach Menzo expects physical Baroka to come out punching above their weightAjax Cape Town coach Stanley Menzo expects a bruising approach from relegation-threatened Baroka on the last day of the Premier Soccer League season on Saturday as the Limpopo newcomers try to save their status. 

That left them needing just to beat relegation-haunted Baroka to complete a remarkable recovery under former Dutch international Menzo‚ who took over from Roger de Sa in October when Ajax were in last place.

The coach softened his analysis when asked to reflect on the entire season.

“I have to compliment the players‚ it was a long and tough season with very difficult moments.

• Rivaldo Coetzee doubtful for Ajax's final game of the seasonAjax Cape Town defender Rivaldo Coetzee is doubtful for Saturday’s crucial Absa Premiership clash at home to Baroka FC after suffering a hamstring tweak. 

"I suppose if you had offered us the chance three months to finish in 10th place we would have taken it. The problem is three weeks ago we realised we could do better.”

Ajax will now go into the off season looking to refresh their squad.

Aubrey Funga‚ Lawrence Lartey‚ Abel Mabaso‚ Lebogang ‘Cheeseboy’ Mokoena and Nathan Paulse are not having their contracts renewed.

Mark Mayambela will also be released.

Menzo said priority would be to find a striker.

“We knew that goals were a problem we know we have to find a player who can help us. We know that we have to score more goals next season.”

- TMG Digital/TMG Sport