Ajax Cape Town defender Shane Saralina was delighted yet surprised to have finally made his full professional debut against Platinum Stars last week.

With this appearance the 19-year-old defender became the latest player from the Urban Warriors academy to debut this season.

The Ajax MDC captain didn’t expect to be called up to the first team, but after an injury to defender Musa Lebusa it happened.

‘I actually didn’t know I was going to play. I came to training without my clothes, because I didn’t expect to be in the squad,’ Saralina told the Ajax Cape Town website.

‘They told me at training that I would be travelling with the team, I was so excited.’

Saralina, a centre back in the MDC side, showed his versatility by playing at left back during their 3-2 victory over Platinum Stars.

‘I started at Ajax as a left back but was moved to centre back. I’m comfortable in both positions.

‘It was a great moment for me, making my official senior debut. Some of the senior players like Mark Mayambela encouraged and motivated me and that helped a lot.

‘We played well. You could see that all of us were focused and fully concentrated on winning the match. That’s how we won the game, through teamwork.’

Ajax Cape Town will clash with Mamelodi Sundowns at the Cape Town Stadium in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday.

Kick-off has been scheduled for 19:30.

Image:  Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix