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THE composition of both the Ajax Cape Town and Santos squads are set for dramatic changes if the pre-season transfer wheeling and dealings are anything to go by.

No sooner had Ajax disclosed that their bustling striker Russel Mwafulirwa had signed for IFK Norrkoping Football Club in Sweden when word broke that Ajax had signed Santos' utility defender Thom-Rick October yesterday. October was a free agent after completing a three-year contract with Santos.

October, a former Milano United and Avendale Athletico semi-pro footballer, enjoyed a spell at the Kaizer Chiefs Academy before joining Santos.

His versatility in defence provided Santos' head coach, David Bright, with several successful options during the past season.

Ajax's media spokesperson Mark Meyer says October accepted a three-year deal with the Urban Warriors.

October has been capped 27 times at SA u/23 level. October described Ajax as a "young exciting side and I would like to play a part in their future success", after signing on the dotted line yesterday.

Meanwhile, the departure of Mwafulirwa comes amid several other transfer deals involving several key Ajax players who featured prominently in the club's effort to place second in the 2007/2008 Premier Soccer League (PSL) competition.

The move of Nathan Paulse to Hammarby FC in Sweden is expected to be finalised this week; Brett Evans and Bryce Moon are seeking contracts with European clubs; and goalkeeper Hans Vonk has requested a transfer, possibly to a PSL club.

Ajax, in the light of Mwafulirwa and Paulse leaving for Sweden, will be looking out for at least two new strikers for the forthcoming season.

Paulse was Ajax's leading marksman with nine goals to his credit, while Mwafulirwa struck eight times last season. Santos have, meanwhile, welcomed back Tyren Arendse, who had spells with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in recent seasons. Arendse was a member of the Santos side that won the 2001/2002 PSL league championship title.

In 2000 Arendse scored the decisive goal when Santos beat Sundowns 1-0 in the then BobSave Super Bowl Final. It was Arendse's first goal in professional soccer.

Another Cape Town talent, Kenwyn Manuel, has also joined Santos from BidVest Wits. Manuel, a midfielder-cum-forward, also had a spell with FC Frankfurt in Germany.

Santos' lead marksman Erwin Isaacs is back in training with the club, after he was reported to be considering leaving.

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