Kenyan international Ali Abondo is set for his first professional stint abroad after South African PSL side Ajax Cape Town announced signing the Gor forward in a statement posted on the club’s official website.
Abondo told South Africa’s leading soccer magazine Kick-Off that he was ready to hit the ground running after successfully completing trials that began earlier in the year and impressing the Ajax coaching staff.
“It’s a good feeling to finally sign for Ajax Cape Town. This is what I have always dreamt of,” enthused the 26-year-old former Gor Mahia midfieder, who has penned a two-year deal at Ikatwa.
“I consider Ajax as one of the best clubs in the PSL. Even in Kenya, people know the club and rate them highly. I will work hard to make my stay here successful. I have been working to improve my capabilities and I think it’s time for me to take the next step in my career. For me, this is a very big challenge and I am ready to embrace it,” remarked Abondo.
With his move, Abondo will become the second Kenyan international in the South African top flight league, joining international defender Brian Mandela, who features for Maritzburg United.
Other Kenyans who have played in the league recently include Paul Were, who has since moved to Greek side FC Kalloni. Nakumatt’s Kevin Omondi and Allan Wanga were also on the verge of joining clubs down South but their various deals fell through. Harambee Stars’ assistant coach Musa Otieno was among the first players to turn pro in South Africa with retired former internationals Tom Odhiambo and Philip Opiyo among pioneer Kenyan footballers in the south African league.
Since making his top flight debut with his home town club Sony Sugar in 2008, Abondo has earned a reputation as journey man footballer with his restless soul taking him to Bandari, Tusker and Gor. When he finally knuckled down at Gor, Abondo finally managed to fulfill the potential he always had, by helping the club to back-to-back national league title and cementing his place as a regular call up in the national team squad.
Last season, his more than a dozen goals were crucial in Gor’s unbeaten run in the league as well as the capture of the DStv Super Cup and KPL Top 8 trophy. The Thur Gem alumni forged a deadly triumvirate with Michael Olunga and Medie Kagere as Gor cruised towards an unbeaten domestic campaign that was only blemished by the semi-finals loss to Nakumatt in the Football Kenya Federation GOtv Shield tournament.