Maritzburg United striker Diyo Sibisi said his team expected a tough battle against Ajax Cape Town when the two sides meet in a Premier League clash at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday night.

Last season, when Ajax held pole position in the league, United snuck in a 2-2 draw with the Urban Warriors at the same venue — a result which handed the trophy to Orlando Pirates on the dramatic final day of the league.

Sibisi, a former Ajax player, scored one of the goals on the day and said he expected a tough challenge from his former team-mates who will also be in search of their first win this season.

“I don’t recall it ever being easy to play Ajax especially away,  and memories from last season will obviously still be fresh,” said Sibisi.

“But its just as important for us to get our first three points of the season as it will be for them to beat us, since we both lost  last weekend.” 

United drew 2-2 with Bidvest Wits at home while Ajax lost 2-0 to  Platinum Stars in their first games.

Ajax coach Maarten Stekelenburg said his team did not need motivation for United who had ended their hopes of a historic first  championship for the Cape outfit last season.

“My players need no motivation for this game against United,” Stekelenburg said.

“After denying them the league title last season, the players feel that it’s payback time.

“It’s important for our boys to put the weekend’s loss behind them, now we have an opportunity to bounce back.” 

Meanwhile, Sibisi went on to add that he has also targeted netting between 15 and 20 goals for the Team of Choice this season.

The bar has been raised by the Premier Soccer League for strikers this season, with the incentive of a car being awarded to the player who reaches 26 goals.

“It’s a tough target and hard work but I think that between 15 and 20 goals is a strong possibility for me,” said Sibisi.

"I’ll be very happy if I can reach that target and help the team  get to a respectable position.

“The way I look at it, the first 15 matches will be crucial for the team and myself.”  

In other matches on Wednesday, the 7.30pm matches include Wits against Free State Stars at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit and AmaZulu, who tackle Santos at King Zwelithini Stadium  in Umlazi.

Former league champions SuperSport United line up against Golden  Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville also at 7.30pm.

Moroka Swallows take on Kaizer Chiefs at Dobsonville Stadium at 8pm and Jomo Cosmos kick off against Mamelodi Sundowns, also at 8.00pm at Sinaba Stadium.