Ajax Cape Town defender Thendo Mukumela feels he's approaching his full potential in the National First Division (NFD).
Mukumela, a highly-rated former Amajita skipper, joined Urban Warriors from Mamelodi Sundowns before the start of the season, after struggling to secure the jersey in Downs' first team.
The centre-back is currently Ajax's top scorer with four goals, all headers from corner kicks. Mukumela's feat, just on the halfway mark of the campaign, is only a far-fetched dream for many SA defenders across all tiers.
"I have settled well in Cape Town and enjoying my football like never before. For me this is a new lease of life," Mukumela told Sowetan yesterday. "I think there's still a lot I can offer; I see that I am nearing my best."
The Capetonians host second-placed Mbombela United at Athlone Stadium on Sunday. Going into this encounter, Ajax have won their last two matches against University of Pretoria (2-0) and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (2-1).
NFD fixtures (All at 3.30pm)
Today: Umoya v AmaTuks, Athlone Stadium.
Tomorrow: Galaxy v Uthongathi, Kameelrivier Stadium; Cosmos v Spurs, Vosloorus Stadium; Eagles v Ubuntu, Chatsworth Stadium; Maccabi v Stellenbosch, Dobsonville Stadium.
Sunday: Ajax v Mbombela, Athlone Stadium; Kings v Sporting, Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium; Richards Bay v Tshakhuma, Umhlathuze Sports Complex