Johannesburg - Ajax Cape Town defender Matthew Booth has revealed he was 'gutted' by the sale of striker Terror Fanteni and midfielder George Maluleka.

The experienced pair joined Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United respectively in the off-season.

"I must say it is frustrating for my part because at 35, I still want to win things and I'm still going strong, and so I want the strongest team possible," Booth told Football411.com. after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Bloemfontein Celtic.

"At the same time I really appreciate the fact that the club has to make space for these young players as they spend so much money on them and they need to bring them up before they are snatched up by other clubs.

"When they got rid of Terror and George it was really gutting because they were the players that contributed to the glimmer of hope that we still had left after last season's disappointments.

"But in the last few games, although we lost some, these young players stuck to their guns and showed great quality. So for now things are looking good and we remain hopeful of turning the corner.

"They are young and have played their youth football at Ajax and therefore it makes it easier for them to adapt to our style of play," concluded Booth, who played 37 times for South Africa.

The Urban Warriors, who finished ninth last term, next visit Orlando Pirates on September 25.