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Cape Town - Following his disappointing season at Mamelodi Sundowns, newly signed Ajax Cape Town striker, Eleazar Rodgers, revealed that he was not part of coach Pitso Mosimane’s plans at the Brazilians.
The 28-year-old Cape Town-born striker was off-loaded by the Brazilians at the beginning of the season to the Urban Warriors in a deal which saw Khama Billiat joining the five-time PSL champions.
The former Santos target-man told Sport24 in an exclusive interview that his time spent on the sidelines was a major factor contributing to him losing his confidence - but he is now relishing his new role at Ajax.
“I would say the main thing was game time, I believe I could have done a lot more, the less game time you get the harder it is to maintain your confidence and match fitness levels,” said Rodgers.
“Me not getting match time at Sundowns and not being part of the plans killed my confidence because I wasn’t really involved with the pre-season matches/training.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to play for Ajax Cape Town, I don’t feel hard done by but these things happen in football. One has to stay positive and make the best of the opportunity.”
Rodgers also revealed that he did not quite had the best of a working relationship with Mosimane.
“It was not (one) of the best relationships and at the same time not bad at all. We could always talk comfortably we had a good understanding and we could learn from each other. My character does not allow me to have bad relationships with anyone.”
The former Santos striker is now even more determined to work harder and is optimistic that Ajax could bag honours this season.
“I would like to find my good form in front of goal so that both myself and Ajax Cape Town can achieve silverware and also end in the top 8 or top 4. It might seem far-fetched but with God all things are possible, I believe He is up to something either way his name will be glorified.”
Rodgers made his debut for Ajax in a 2-1 defeat in the hands of AmaZulu at the Cape Town Stadium earlier this month.
The 28-year-old Cape Town-born striker was off-loaded by the Brazilians at the beginning of the season to the Urban Warriors in a deal which saw Khama Billiat joining the five-time PSL champions.
The former Santos target-man told Sport24 in an exclusive interview that his time spent on the sidelines was a major factor contributing to him losing his confidence - but he is now relishing his new role at Ajax.
“I would say the main thing was game time, I believe I could have done a lot more, the less game time you get the harder it is to maintain your confidence and match fitness levels,” said Rodgers.
“Me not getting match time at Sundowns and not being part of the plans killed my confidence because I wasn’t really involved with the pre-season matches/training.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to play for Ajax Cape Town, I don’t feel hard done by but these things happen in football. One has to stay positive and make the best of the opportunity.”
Rodgers also revealed that he did not quite had the best of a working relationship with Mosimane.
“It was not (one) of the best relationships and at the same time not bad at all. We could always talk comfortably we had a good understanding and we could learn from each other. My character does not allow me to have bad relationships with anyone.”
The former Santos striker is now even more determined to work harder and is optimistic that Ajax could bag honours this season.
“I would like to find my good form in front of goal so that both myself and Ajax Cape Town can achieve silverware and also end in the top 8 or top 4. It might seem far-fetched but with God all things are possible, I believe He is up to something either way his name will be glorified.”
Rodgers made his debut for Ajax in a 2-1 defeat in the hands of AmaZulu at the Cape Town Stadium earlier this month.
