Ajax coach will select with his head

Veteran goalkeeper Hans Vonk will be back in goal when Absa Premiership log leaders Ajax Cape Town take on Platinum Stars at Athlone Stadium on Wednesday night(kick-off: 7.30pm).

He missed last Friday's 2-0 Nedbank Cup defeat to Kaizer Chiefs and, despite a five-star showing by American Morgan Cathey, Vonk is expected to regain his place for the must-win fixture as Ajax seek to pull clear of the chasing pack.

"It's great to be playing before everyone else does (at the weekend), and a win would afford us the breathing space," said coach Craig Rosslee on Tuesday.

"We can increase the pressure on our nearest challengers, and with only eight games to go in the competition, I don't even want to think about dropping points at home. (Victory) is non-negotiable - and the boys know that."

Rosslee waxed lyrical about Cathey's first full match for the club, but confirmed that Vonk would be manning the goal area against a Stars outfit desperate to achieve a top-eight finish.

The former Bafana Bafana player's booking in the Wits match was his sixth of the season, a rather high number for a goalkeeper.

"That's unusual, but remember he is also the captain and therefore reserves the right to question the match officials should he feel hard done by," said Rosslee.

All in all, the Ajax coach sits with a "nice" problem as far as picking his starting line-up is concerned.

The likes of Clifford Ngobeni, Shameegh Doutie and Franklyn Cale are fighting fit following layoffs and pushing hard for inclusion. And playmakers Mfundo Shumana and Thlanhla Shabalala, who were also plagued by injuries this campaign, are sparkling again.

Nathan Paulse was left out of the starting XI against Chiefs for tactical reasons, and will no doubt be eager to add to his impressive haul of six goals in his past five matches.

The timing could not have been better for the Ajax mentor, who will surely have one eye on Sunday's Caf Cup first-round match against Anse Reunion at Athlone.

"There are bound to be some long faces (tonight) because everyone wants to play during what's likely to be a very exciting run-in to the league title. However, I have to remain calm and select the team for the Stars match with my head and not my heart. (Sunday's) match is a great opportunity to introduce a rotation policy, so we can keep key players fresh for the tough road ahead," he stated.

Right back Bryce Moon had one of his quieter days in an Ajax shirt in the defeat to the Amakhosi, something Rosslee put down to fatigue after his star defender had played a full match for Bafana against Zimbabwe just three days earlier.

"That was wrong," he fumed. "It was different rules for players from different clubs. Some players were spared the full 90 minutes of action, while others, like Bryce, had to go all the way. It showed in his performance as Chiefs grew stronger on his side of the pitch when fatigue set in."

Stars, meanwhile, present a specific threat in the form of midfielder Edward Williams, whose power shooting has been the catalyst for the improved form under new coach Miguel Gamondi.

"He does pack a punch, so we have to be alert in that area just outside the big box. But look, they are not a one-man team. Stars have done well of late and are playing more controlled football than before.

"They are no longer a kick-and-rush team, which makes for an interesting battle."