BAFANA Bafana playmaker Thulani Serero admits that he is pessimistic about his chances of winning a regular first-team place at Ajax Amsterdam this season.

The 22-year-old endured a tough first campaign in Amsterdam last year, battling injuries and weight issues.

But he was given a vote of confidence by coach Frank de Boer, who has blocked plans for him to be loaned out elsewhere in Holland for the coming season.

That suggests Serero is very much in De Boer's plans, but the player is not so confident of his chances.

"I expect little playing time, but I will continue to do my best," he said.

Just where De Boer plans to use Serero remains to be seen. While South African fans know him as an attacking midfielder, a role he fulfilled for Bafana against Gabon recently, he was often played as a defensive midfielder in the Ajax reserve side last season.

That is the traditional Ajax No6 role that was performed by George Maluleka at Ajax Cape Town last season - very different to what Serero is used to.

The Amsterdam club has just resumed training for the new season and will play a number of friendly matches against lower league sides in Holland before embarking on a tour of England.

They will play Glasgow Celtic at home on July 21 before taking on newly promoted English Premier League side Southampton on July 28 and Norwich City on July 31.