Ajax Cape Town head coach Stanley Menzo says he has been impressed by Toriq Losper influence in the team, despite his long-term injury layoff. 

The 24-year-old sustained a meniscal injury to his left knee has not featured for the Urban Warriors since the 1-0 defeat at the hands of city rivals Cape Town City in the Absa Premiership more than six months ago.

However, the former Ajax youth product has recently started running and has already participated in his first training session with the senior team last wee, as he continues to fully recover from his injury.

The 53-year-old coach says he will not rush Losper back into the team and he insists that he will be delighted to wait another month rather than risking the midfielder suffering another setback.

‘He is doing well, he took part in a training session with the group last week, but I think we have to take care,’ Menzo told the Ajax Cape Town website.

‘Rather one month too late than one week too early, but he is looking very sharp. We will wait, we are taking things step by step – he is on his way.’

The former Dutch international has been impressed by the midfielder’s influence and personality, despite only making two appearances this season.

‘His influence, his personality I think is good, benefits the team,’ Menzo concluded.

The Urban Warriors are currently placed 13th in the Absa Premiership with 22 points, having won five out of 22 matches played so far this season, level on points with 12th placed Bloemfontein Celtic and a point behind Orlando Pirates and Chippa United.

Ajax Cape Town will next take on Highlands Park when the Absa Premiership returns on April 12.

The match at the Cape Town Stadium kicks off at 19:30.

Image: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix