Ajax Cape Town versatile midfielder Bantu Mzwakali feels the untimely death of his close friend and teammate Cecil Lolo impacted negatively on his form in the last two seasons.

Lolo was tragically killed in a car accident in October 2015, a month after helping Ajax win the MTN8 Cup, where he was voted man of the match in the 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs.

"It [Lolo's death] really affected my game. After his death I was not the same player that I was before.

"It was not easy because we had a very good understanding and relationship on and off the field.

"He was not only my teammate, he was my brother.

"He taught me many things as he was older than me," Mzwakali told Sowetan yesterday.

The healing process has not been easy for the 23-year-old rightwinger who has vowed to win a trophy for his "fallen hero" this season.

"I always make sure that I carry his pictures everywhere I go.

"He will always be in my heart. When I am alone, I think of him a lot because we used to share the same flat.

"As a team, I think we must try by all means to win a trophy to honour him.

"He passed away after winning the MTN 8. We have never won anything since then, that's why I wish to do it for my fallen hero," added the Cape Town-born player.

After finishing 10th on the log last season, Mzwakali hopes winning pre-season friendlies will bear fruit in the new campaign.

"We have played five friendly games, winning four and drawing one. We hope to take our good pre-season form into the new campaign."