Ajax promote starlet to first team

Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town have announced that promising youngster Tashreeq Matthews has been promoted to the first team.

The 17-year-old forward, who hails from Hanover Park, joined the Urban Warriors in 2012 and has rapidly climbed the ranks at the club.

Matthews starred on their tour of the Netherlands and earned himself a spot in the Team of the 2017 ICGT Tournament.

The teenager is also making a name for himself in the national youth set-up and scored against England U18 in September last year.

Widely regarded as one of South Africa's brightest prospects, Matthews has been linked with a move to Europe in the past.

According to Soccer Laduma, his future at Ajax was far from certain. His camp reportedly took issue with the club's bursary system, which is part of their youth system, and he was spotted training at Cape Town City under their coach, Benni McCarthy.

However, it appears all has been sorted at least for the moment, and Matthews can now focus on making a name for himself in the Absa Premiership.

Youth Academy ?? PSL

• Tashreeq, who hails from Hanover Park, joined the club’s Youth Academy in 2012

• He will turn 18 years old later this year ??#OurYouthOurFuture ?? pic.twitter.com/LbIYriFOYN

— Ajax Cape Town (@ajaxcapetown) February 27, 2018