Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town have promoted teenager Luthando Matheza from the U19 team to the Premiership squad, according an official statement by the Ikamva based outfit.
The Gugulethu-born player joined the Ajax youth academy in 2010 at the age of 12 and has become the latest youth development product to be brought into Roger De Sa's squad for the 2016/17 Premiership season following the recent promotions of Darren Johnson and Masilake Phohlongo.
Luthando formed an integral part of the Ajax U19 touring side who recently clinched both the 2016 NextGen and ESAD Cup. He also led the club's U17 side in the 2015 Engen Knockout Championships, where the club lifted both regional and national titles.
Following a number of impressive displays in midfield, the 18-year-old claimed the Player of the Tournament Award at both Engen events.
The left-footed playmaker will fight for a starting berth in De Sa's side competing with the likes of:Travis Graham, Ndiviwe Mdabuka, Bantu Mzwakali, Ashley Hartog, Ali Abondo, Olwethu Nguye and Ziyaad Eksteen.
The Ajax head coach revealed his excitement at Matheza's promotion, but highlighted that the next six months are crucial in fast-tracking the player's preparation for next season.
"It's absolutely great to have another quality youngster in the squad. Luthando has come along very well with his progress throughout the youth ranks," he told the club's official website.
"He recently had a great Engen tournament where he won all the awards. He continued to develop after that and played a big part in our U19's being so successful in Europe, winning two trophies over there."
"The next six months is vital for Luthando now, if he continues to develop on this path, he can definitely become the next Ajax star," De Sa concluded.