The 25-year-old, who joined the club’s youth ranks in 2002, worked his way to a first team debut in the 2012/13 season, and was handed the captain’s armband in 2014, aged just 21.
After leading his side to MTN8 glory in 2015, Graham’s career took an unexpected twist last year after being frozen out by the club following his refusal to sign a new contract with the hope of securing a move away from Ikamva.
Graham thus sat out the entire 2017/18 season, failing to feature at all as Ajax finished bottom of the log and were relegated to the National First Division, a decision the club is still appealing in the courts following the Tendai Ndoro registration saga.
With his contract with the Cape club now finally up, the hard-working midfielder took to social media to bid his childhood club farewell in an emotional video.
— Travis Graham (@travisgraham_6) June 28, 2018
“It’s been emotional roller-coaster for me, with many ups and downs over past 16 years,” he said. “I am so grateful for the platform Ajax has given me to become a professional football player.
"I am thankful for all the things I’ve learnt during the time I’ve spent here at Ajax; sadly it’s time for me to say goodbye. Thank you to everyone that has played a huge part on my journey at Ajax, it’s been an honour to represent you and I wish you all the best for the future.”
Ajax has since confirmed Graham’s departure, releasing a statement on their website which thanked the former captain for his contribution at the club.
“Ajax Cape Town would like to wish Travis Graham all the best in his future endeavours,” the statement read.
“Travis embodies all the Ajax Cape Town qualities and is not only a terrific midfielder, but person both on and off the pitch.
“Everyone at Ajax Cape Town would like thank him for all the memories and dedication over the past 16 years.
“Farewell Travito.”
Other players to have left Ajax in recent days include Ndoro and winger Neo Makua.