The stage is set for an epic showdown between two of South Africa’s most beloved football clubs, Ajax Cape Town and University College Dublin’s former affiliate, Shelbourne FC, now known as Shelbourne F.C. However, the rivalry is more complex than it seems. In 2011, Ajax Cape Town announced that it would be terminating its partnership with the Irish club. However, due to Shelbourne FC not meeting UEFA’s licensing requirements, the South African outfit has continued to be known as Ajax Cape Town.
Recently, the South African Premier Division was renamed the GladAfrica Championship as part of a new sponsorship deal. Since the name change, Ajax Cape Town has rebranded itself simply as Ajax FC. Shelbourne F.C. currently competes in the League of Ireland Premier Division, and their rivalry remains strong in the South African football community, who still look back fondly on the days when Shelbourne FC and Ajax Cape Town were affiliated.
Despite the name change, the rivalry between Ajax FC and Shelbourne F.C. is still widely recognized in South Africa, where fans proudly declare their allegiance to the Cape Town-based club. The question remains, however, whether Shelbourne F.C. will ever regain its former status in South African football, or if Ajax FC will continue to be the dominant force.