Former Ajax Cape Town midfielder Nhlanhla Shabalala claims there’s a racial war between black and coloured players at the club.
Ajax were a dominant force in South African football for several years before relegation saw Ajax Amsterdam cut ties with the club.
Ajax Cape Town were known for offering youngsters a chance to showcase their talent in the first division of South African football.
However, Shabalala has revealed how racial tensions have plagued the club for a long time.
“The team almost broke down because of racial tensions,” Shabalala told TK Solutions TV on YouTube.
“At some point, there were Ajax coloureds and Ajax blacks and the white guys had to decide where they would fall in. Even at training, the coloured players would kick black players and the black players would kick them back.”
Shabalala revealed that Thulani Serrero, one of South Africa’s best players, was attacked by players because of his increasing fame.
“They didn’t like the fact that Serero was becoming a star now. And they didn’t approve of his performance. Serero was a young boy then and we had to intervene because the coloured guys would not stop kicking him.
“It was through the discussions they were having and it was very clear that there’s blacks and coloureds — the dressing room was divided,” Shabalala explained.
Ajax Cape Town were relegated to the second division of South African football in the 2017/18 season.
After Ajax Amsterdam cut ties, the club rebranded and is now called Cape Town Spurs.
Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt
Pictured above: Nhanhla Shabala in action for Ajax Cape Town
Image source: @CapeTownSpurs
