Cape Town - Nathan Paulse played an instrumental part in getting Ajax Cape Town into the MTN8 final, putting in a wonderful performance after missing most of the team’s pre-season through an injury concern.
Paulse made a full recovery from a quad injury which kept him out for most of pre-season and restricted him from playing any matches and training only in the gym.
His first taste of the 2015/16 PSL season came when he was introduced as a substitute in the Urban Warriors’ 3-1 win over Maritzburg United and marked his return with a powerful header goal.
In Ajax’s crucial second leg MTN8 semi-finals victory away to Wits, which the Urban Warriors won 0-1, Paulse converted a penalty past long-time friend Moeneeb Josephs, after a foul on Toriq Losper in the Wits penalty area.
“Firstly, my preparation to play the full 90 minutes was less than ideal because of the day before the game," the striker said on the club's website.
"I struggled with a sinus attack the evening before the game and hardly slept. Then I was expecting to play bit part in the game from the bench due to my fitness level, but I was happy when I was told that I would be starting.
“It felt good playing a full game and obviously I lacked some sharpness, my concentration went a bit in the second half.
"I could’ve had three or four goals, but the positives I took is getting myself into those positions, also helping the team get into another final within three months felt great,” commented Paulse.
The Urban Warriors are now set to face 2014/15 Absa Premiership champions on Saturday, September 19.
“With regards to facing Kaizer Chiefs in the final, it’s another chance for us to write our own history.
"Chiefs’ cup pedigree is well documented, but that’s for the historians. We are excited and look forward to enjoying the occasion.
"Few footballers get to experience the cup final buzz so we are going there to enjoy that feeling again, leave it all out there and hopefully bring back the cup,” concluded Paulse.