Cape Town Stars have bought out Ajax Amsterdam’s shares in the club that operates under the name Ajax Cape Town.
The Mother City club narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier Soccer League last term and as things stand will be competing in the National First Division next season.
Ajax Amsterdam end 21-year association with Cape Town
The buyout does suggest however that Cape Town Stars owners are keen to see the club return to the top-flight by other means.
“Cape Town Stars, the South African minority shareholder of Ajax Cape Town has reached an agreement to take control of the franchise,” a statement from the club reads.
“Cape Town Stars, the 49% shareholder of Ajax Cape Town, is pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement to acquire the 51% share of the GladAfrica Championship franchise from Ajax Amsterdam with effect from 1 October.
“After 21 years of partnership with their Dutch counterparts, Cape Town Stars will be acquiring full control of the South African club.
“Cape Town Stars will shortly be in a position to advise on the way forward with regards to the future of the franchise.”
Ajax Cape Town chairman, Ari Efstathiou had invested heavily in a bid to win promotion to the top flight and is believed to be preparing a bid for a PSL franchise.
Two top-flight clubs, Bidvest Wits and Highlands Park have already sold their PSL status this year with Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and TS Galaxy taking their spots in next seasons league.
Efstathiou has reportedly approached Bloemfontein Celtic and SuperSport United to discuss buying a PSL franchise.
“Ajax chairman, Ari Efstathiou, is looking to buy a PSL status. He has already enquired about Bloemfontein Celtic and SuperSport United. They are keen on campaigning in the Premier division next season. They invested so much in automatic promotion in the current season,” a source close to the club told IOL.
“Ari was heartbroken when Ajax failed to gain promotion. He was really sure that this was their year. They have enquired about Celtic and SuperSport. If any of these clubs are open to negotiations, they will sit down and discuss.
“Ajax are likely to lose most of their top players if the club doesn’t acquire a PSL status. They have already lost Grant Margeman who is going to Mamelodi Sundowns. Thabo Mosadi has also left the club. More are likely to leave if Ajax don’t get the PSL status.”
