Travis Graham begins new chapter with Ajax Amsterdam after early retirement
Former Ajax Cape Town captain Travis Graham has been appointed as the head of football operations for the Ajax Amsterdam Academy in Dubai.
Image: Travis Graham on Facebook
Former Ajax Cape Town and Maritzburg United captain Travis Graham has landed himself a top job with Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam.
Graham retired last year at just 32 years old after a new in New Zealand with Christchurch United. But, it’s with Ajax Cape Town – now Cape Town Spurs – where he is best remembered as an academy graduate who joined te club at the age of 12 and went on to be their captain.
He departed the club following a contract dispute, and went on to play for Cape Town City, Cape Umoya, and Maritzburg United before moving to New Zealand in 2024.
After leaving Maritzburg following the club’s relegation from the top flight, Graham revealed he had been planning for life after his career had ended, and had been pursuing a football business qualification.
In June last year, he revealed on his personal Facebook page that he had attained his coaching badges while still playing in New Zealand.
“I’m excited to announce that I’ve officially completed my OFC/NZF C Licence,” he said at the time. “This experience has deepened my understanding of the game, player development, and the importance of purposeful coaching. Looking forward to continuing my growth and learning on my coaching journey.”
Now retired, Graham has landed his first post-playing job with Ajax Amsterdam.
“I am incredibly proud to announce that I have accepted the role of Head of Football Operations at Ajax Academy Dubai,” Graham said on his page.
“Everyone knows what this club means to me. To be able to take everything I learned as a player in the Ajax system. And now pass it on to the next generation in Dubai. It is a dream come true.
“We are going to create something special here, focused on high standards, real development. And creating an environment to fall in love with the beautiful game.”
Once trusted to lead on the pitch, Graham is now entrusted with shaping the next generation away from it, carrying Ajax principles forward in a different role.
IOL Sport