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Ajax admin praised for caring

Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town midfielder Mark Mayambela believes the youth players at the club are in a privileged position with a management that genuinely cares about their wellbeing.

Mayambela believes most club administrators do not establish personal relationships with players, especially those from poorer backgrounds.

The 29-year-old, who has been a nomadic footballer for much of his career, felt that he could have done with the support given at the Urban Warriors.

"Having come from teams that don't have such youth structures, we are in a very privileged position," he told KickOff.

"Ajax is a team that is known for producing quality youngsters, and I keep telling the young players that it's up to them to appreciate what the team is doing for them and work hard at training in order to get an opportunity to play.

"There is a lot you can teach a footballer, but if their attitude is not right, he will not learn or understand what is being taught. So I will try instil a good attitude all the time.

"I know life is hard, we all have problems. Lots of footballers are from disadvantaged families and backgrounds, and I think the administrators of football don't look much into that and helping the players, and getting to know them, their families and their problems."

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