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Ajax fight to avoid relegation

Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town are hoping their victory over Free State Stars on Sunday will signal a change in fortunes in what has been a dismal campaign.

The Urban Warriors beat Stars 4-2 at Athlone Stadium, putting an end to a run of 10 league games without a win.

The result lifted the Urban Warriors to 14th position and out of the Absa Premiership relegation zone, with a game in hand on most of the teams around them.

"The job is not done yet. We still seven games to go," said Ajax coach Jan Versleijen.

"Against Stars we showed we have the confidence. We still have the football, and if you play relegation football, you need something more.

"That something more we showed today - character and fighting spirit - and that's how you collect points to stay in the PSL."

Ajax started the match without the suspended Mabuthi Khenyeza, and also elected to leave Khama Billiat, a major source of goals over the last couple of years, on the bench.

But it worked out well for Versleijen as Billiat came on in the second half to secure victory with two late goals.

"We don't always have to start with the big names, but the big names win the game," he said.

"You are looking for those kind of players who can change the game."

Ajax must now brace themselves for a clash against Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.

The Buccaneers are eight points behind log leaders Kaizer Chiefs, but are holding two games in hand.

"Hopefully we can continue this against Pirates," Versleijen said.

"If we can get a result, it brings us further away from the relegation zone."

Stars coach Steve Komphela admitted they were beaten by the better side on the day.

"We could not deal with Ajax, starting at the back," Komphela said.

"They started playing from the back and we allowed them movements and we had problems as Matthew Booth moved into midfield.

"But above all this is a time when you must accept the result. Anything else but congratulating Ajax will sound like sour grapes."

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