He acknowledged Leo Capfini, his former coach at Ajax Cape Town, as playing an instrumental role in his career progress.

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Pienaar said the professional attitude of Ajax Cape Town, a subsidiary of Ajax Amsterdam, made his transition to European football easier.

BBC: Pienaar praises Koeman

There has also been growing support for Ajax Cape Town coach Gordon Igesund, the most successful coach in club football over the past decade.

BBC: SPORT | Football | African | Applications flood in for SA job

Hendricks was formerly with Eintracht Frankfurt and played one match in the German Bundesliga before returning home to play for Ajax Cape Town before moving to Russia.

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South Africa league leaders Ajax Cape Town demonstrated strength in depth to overwhelm Mount Cameroon 5-1 at home despite resting several key players ahead of the four-round championship run-in.

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Igesund has already won the league with three different teams and this season Ajax Cape Town are well-placed to win the league for the first time in their history.

BBC: SPORT | Football | African | Applications flood in for SA job