Ajax CT: It's payback time

Johannesburg - Maarten Stekelenburg admits his Ajax Cape Town side need no motivation ahead of their midweek PSL encounter against Maritzburg United.

The Urban Warriors' headed into the final day of last season needing a win against United to lift the Absa Premiership title, but the Cape Town outfit slipped up at the final hurdle and could only earn a 2-2 draw.

That result saw Orlando Pirates crowned champions by goal difference, and Stekelenburg admits his side are chomping at the bit to avenge that let down.

He told the club's official website: "My players need no motivation for this game against Maritzburg United. After denying them the League title in the last game of the season last year, the players feel that its payback time."

The Capetonians suffered a horrid start to the new campaign, slumping to a 2-0 defeat against Platinum Stars on Friday, but the Dutch coach is confident his side can bounce back on Wednesday.

"Playing so soon after our loss at the weekend, this game could not have come at a better time for Ajax Cape Town," he added.

"It's important for our boys to put the weekend's game behind them. Our team did not do well against Platinum Stars at the weekend and now we have an opportunity to bounce back."