Ajax confirm Cale injury

Franklin Cale is the latest long-term injury casualty at Ajax Cape Town, now ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

Coach Muhsin Ertugral says it is a bitter blow given the high hopes he had for the 30-year-old winger for the coming season on his return to the team after disappointing spells at Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United.

“I think he returned with the injury,” said the coach after confirming surgery on the patella, or knee cap, would leave Cale sidelined for the rest of the campaign.

He is the fourth Ajax player to be ruled out this season, following on Nazeer Allie (hip), Travis Graham (knee) and Ndumiso Vezi, hurt in car accident.

Cale had been a big part of Ertugral’s ambition to have Ajax use the wings more this season and get quicker movement

The coach said he needed more movement from his players if they are to make an impression in the home game against Free State Stars on Wednesday.

He took off target man Eleazor Rodgers at halftime of their last game at the Cape Town Stadium against Mamelodi Sundowns because he felt the striker was not offering enough of himself in and around the box.

“Rodgers is a little in himself at the moment, maybe putting a bit too much pressure on himself,” the coach explained.

“We need to nurture him a bit because he is a player who is coming back from time at a big club where he did not contribute a lot and he’s not happy with himself and his performance. He needs more movement into space but I’m sure it will be a lot better in the weeks to come,” added Ertugral.

As to the expected approach of their opponents, the Ajax coach said: “I expect they (Free State Stars) will play a tight game and look to catch us on the counter attack. I think they’ll be a little concerned about getting tired later as they had to play 120 minutes against Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday. But I think they also look a very fit team.