AJAX Cape Town coach Jan Versleijen had to bench Zimbabwe star Khama Billiat for the 4-2 win against Free State Stars in a South African Premier Soccer League match on Sunday not because he has not been playing well, but he wants the best from the striker.
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Ajax, fighting against relegation, made five changes to the side which started against AmaZulu, dropping Billiat and opting for Lebogang Manyama instead. Billiat was a late substitute, but struck decisively in the 86th and 90th minute to seal off their first win since November 2012.
“I think the team put in a lot of effort and you can see we don’t always need to start with the big names, but the big names can decide the game,” the coach told Kick Off.
“We are always looking for the kind of players who can decide the game. Maybe Billiat needs some time to sit on the bench before coming to fire.”
Ajax, who still have seven matches to play, are now in 14th place while Black Leopards dropped down the ladder having played one more game. Tomorrow Ajax face defending champions Orlando Pirates. While Billiat was enjoying himself, Rodreck Mutuma was making his full debut for Bloemfontein Celtic as they drew 1-1 with Maritzburg United.
Mutuma had a great chance to make a scoring debut in the 60th minute after a cross evaded everybody in the box from a free-kick, but was unable to find the mark. Cuthbert Malajila started the match for Maritzburg while strike partner Terrence Mandaza came off the bench, but to no impact.
There was no joy for leaders Kaizer Chiefs as they suffered their second consecutive draw against Golden Arrows at the weekend in a match where only defender Lincoln Zvasiya made an appearance for Amakhosi.
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Zvasiya was a 46th minute substitute for Morgan Gould.
Lionel Mtizwa and Washington Arubi’s Tuks thumped AmaZulu 3-1. Former Warriors goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini was in goal for AmaZulu while Carlington Nyadombo sat out the match.
In the Kenyan Premier League, former Highlanders striker Obadiah Tarumbwa provided an assist as Sofapaka beat Sony Sugar 2-0 on Sunday to move into third place on the standings with 12 points, three off leaders KCB.
In Denmark, Quincy Antipas’ Brondby moved further away from the relegation zone after picking up their second win on the trot with a 1-0 away win over Randers. They now have 27 points after posting only their sixth win in 26 matches.
Knowledge Musona was not in the final 18 as Augsburg slumped to a 4-2 loss to outgoing German Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund. Augsburg dropped back into the relegation playoff cutoff point with the loss.
