BAFANA Bafana midfielder Thulani Serero has begun his pre-season training with Ajax Amsterdam and left with the club for a camp in Austria yesterday.

Serero was given extended leave after he toured Australia and New Zealand at the end of May, but is now back in full swing preparing for what could be the biggest season of his career.

Having established himself in the Ajax first team last term, the 24-year-old has been challenged to kick on and become a leader in the Dutch side, potentially opening doors to a move to one of the top five leagues in Europe.

Serero was missing from Ajax's opening pre-season friendly at the weekend when they crushed lower league side SDC Putten 13-1.

He will, however, hope to play some part in their next clash against Austrian side FC Wacker Innsbruck on Saturday.

They are building up to their official season opener on August 3 against Kamohelo Mokotjo's PEC Zwolle in the Johan Cruyff Shield, the traditional fixture played between the Dutch champions and cup winners.

Meanwhile, Andile Jali featured in the first half for Belgian side Oostende as they won 2-1 at lower league club Eernegem in their latest friendly.

Ayanda Patosi also made his first appearance in pre-season as Lokeren won 4-0 at minnows CDV Zelzate.

Patosi had missed the midweek 1-0 victory over Avanti Stekene with a foot injury, but recovered sufficiently to play in the second half against Zelzate.