Ajax Cape Town release unwanted players

Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town have announced the release of midfielder Ali Abondo and striker Joaquim Lupeta ahead of the January transfer window.

The Urban Warriors have reached an agreement with the players in question, which has seen them released from their contracts.

The foreign duo failed to break into the first-team picture under former head coach Roger De Sa, and their prospects have not improved following the appointment of Stanley Menzo.

Explaining the departure of Abondo, CEO Ari Efstathiou told the club's website: "Abondo has been extremely unfortunate with injury and now has strong competition for his play-making position in the middle of the park, especially after the signing of Zambian international Roderick Kabwe which will see him down the pecking order if he stayed.

"Coach Stanley Menzo also believes it is in Abondo's best interest that the club allows him to leave."

Commenting on Lupeta, he added: "Lupeta wants game time and he is unlikely to get much of that with the form both Paulse and Nxumalo are showing in attack.

"His contract finishes at the end of June and after discussions with him he has decided to leave because he wants to play more. He is heading back to Portugal."

Efstathiou went on to explain the thinking behind allowing the duo to leave, citing the league's cap on foreign players as a major factor.

He explained: "Another fact behind agreeing on their departures was that they occupied two of the five foreigner spots allowed.

"In order for Kabwe to sign we would have had to release one foreigner to free up a spot, but due to both leaving we now have two spots available of which Kabwe fills one.

"We are also currently in negotiations with another foreign attacking player to join in the January transfer window.

"Unfortunately in soccer some opportunities come and some don't. In this instance they didn't get a chance, but they will do well wherever they go as they are both talented players.

"We wish them well on their next journey and hope, that to some extent, Ajax Cape Town has contributed to their future careers," Efstathiou concluded.

Ajax will be looking to continue their upturn in form under Menzo that has seen the Cape side rise to ninth place in the Absa Premiership standings when the league resumes in February.