Selolwane sparks but future still uncertain

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Thursday February 18, 2010 00:00

 

However, his future at the Cape side still hangs in the balance. It was a frustrating night for Ajax until the 82nd minute when Selolwane scored from a tight angle after his team mates had fluffed several chances. The Botswana international was unlucky not to score in the opening stages of the game after Ajax displayed some slick passing. Selolwane latched on to a loose ball inside the area, but Cosmos goalkeeper Avril Phali made a fine save with his feet.

Despite the dazzling performance and the vital goal, he told Mmegi Sport that his future with the Urban Warriors remains uncertain. 'I'm happy to have scored the goal, it was good to get on the score-sheet. I played for 90 minutes, having not played in a long time and I enjoyed the game in midfield, running up and down. I think it was a decent performance,' he said.He added: 'I don't know if I'll stay at Ajax next season'.

Selolwane's contract with Ajax runs out in June this year but the club is yet to open negotiations for a new deal. He started the season on a high note, featuring in 15 of the first round league matches but things have not been the same since the departure of coach Mushin Etugral at the beginning of October.

Under Dutch coach Foppe de Haan, who has been in charge for 13 matches, Selolwane has only made four appearances. 'It won't surprise me if I don't play the last game of the season. But, if it happens that I'm given a chance I'll play to the best of my abilities,' he said. Selolwane started the game against Cosmos in the absence of regulars Clifford Ngobeni and Nhlanhla Shabalala.Ajax are left with two games this season. They will play Golden Arrows on Saturday and then end the season with a home tie against relegation-threatened Mpumalanga Black Aces. The striker-turned-midfielder is clearly unhappy at his club.

'Who would be happy playing and being taken out after 30 minutes? No one will be happy after starting in 15 games and doing well and the next thing you are out.' He added that the Dutch coach has never taken time to explain why he is sidelined.'The coach doesn't explain why I'm not playing but I don't want to talk about him. What can I do if I don't fit into his system?' After their narrow win over Cosmos, Ajax moved to position seven on the log with 40 points.