Football Knockoffs V: Ajax Cape Town

Off-brand versions of famous clubs that we know and love around the world

picture via wikipedia.org

Though most of the teams on this list were separate entities, Ajax Cape Town was set up by AFC Ajax in 1999. Amsterdam’s goal was to develop its network of development in Africa further. The club was created through the merger of two existing clubs based in the Cape Town area.

Ajax Cape Town and AFC Ajax have met in the past with their first meeting ending in an upset victory for ACT FC by a score of 3-1. Two years later, the two clubs squared off again this time the mother club took home the victory in Amsterdam by three goals to two. In Cape Town’s 21 year history, the team has failed to win any league titles. However, the team was victorious in the MTN8 Tournament beating Kaizer Chiefs 1-0.

Ajax CT has played in three stadiums over its years. The first being Athlone Stadium than shortly after 52,000 capacity Newlands Stadium. Then a few years later, the team moved to Green Point Stadium, where they stayed for two seasons until it was demolished to build the Cape Town Stadium for the 2010 World Cup. They remained in the new stadium following the World Cup until today, where it still is their home stadium.

Though this team has failed to win any significant trophies, it has succeeded in doing one thing, forward young careers. Several players over the years have made the step up to the mother club in Amsterdam. Players including Steven Pienaar in 2002, Daylon Claasen in 2009, Eyong Enpoh in 2008, and Thulani Serero in 2011. Even though Ajax Cape Town is a glorified feeder team, they still leave their mark on African football. They have helped many young players develop and further their careers, which should be the goal for any small football club. Thanks for reading.