Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Returning to play a meaningful role with the MacEwan Griffins men's soccer team after a major knee injury in high school has paid off with a Canada West All-Rookie team selection for Jamal Ajab.
The electric midfielder was one of 11 first-year players recognized by the conference on Thursday.
It marks a second-straight year the Griffins have had an All-Rookie team member after Phil Masri and Kayden Dugas were named to the squad in 2023.
Ajab had an assist in 10 games for the Griffins, starting nine times. His play in midfield constantly created turnovers and set up his teammates for success.
"We wish we had him more this season," said Loga of the Archbishop O'Leary grad, who was injured in a high school match in June 2023 and put in the hard work necessary to make his U SPORT debut on Sept. 7 vs. Mount Royal. "Unfortunately, with (his recovery from the knee injury), he struggled with the back to backs. But I felt we managed his load fairly well to keep him going from opening day to closing day.
"We had to change up some of our game model and tactics, given the loss of personnel, in training camp and in season with injuries, but his versatility allowed us to stay as consistent as we could, given the man games lost."
Ajab played mostly in midfield, but was also at fullback, covering for injuries during the season.
Jamal Ajab made a big impact in midfield for the Griffins this season (Norman Bo photo).
His defining moment came in his Canada West debut when he beat a Mount Royal defender out wide and sent in a cross to Chance Carter to open the scoring in what would become a 1-1 draw.
"He kind of put himself on the map that match against MRU when he was able to cut it back and set up a goal," said Loga. "That was the most himself he looked to that point. His teammates already had belief in him, but sometimes he needs to believe more in himself and know that he's good and ready and can control the workload, if you will.
"I think that was the match that really gave him the confidence that could propel him forward through the season."
Ajab becomes the fifth Griffins men's soccer player to make a Canada West All-Rookie team, following Everett Orgnero (2018), Alvin Mazaheri (2021), Masri and Dugas (2023).
