Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Ajax Cape Town are favourites to reclaim their Absa Premiership top spot tonight at AmaZulu's expense, but the question is: will they have the gumption to remain up there until May 18?

Their ever-optimistic spokesman Thabiso "Shooz" Mekuto believes so, but many people beg to differ following Ajax's indifferent results in the run-in.

The Urban Warriors, who were walloped 2-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns last week, host AmaZulu at Athlone Stadium in the Mother City. Kickoff is at 7.30pm.

Clive Barker's side will also be hoping for a win to regroup after they were elbowed out - as expected - of the Nedbank Cup by Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday.

But Mekuto emphasised that they would go for broke tonight.

"We will fight tooth and nail for a win and if we return to the top we will jealously protect our leadership until the end of the season," he said.

"It will not be because of luck if we return to the top, but because we deserve to be up there. The players are ready for the remaining three matches and we will compete."

Ajax coach Craig Rosslee believes their remaining matches favoured them because they will host two and play one away.

Their next match is against homeboys Santos at the same venue on May 15 before wrapping it up against the tricky Lamontville Golden Arrows in Durban three days later.

Said Rosslee: "The players have been fantastic in response to the pressure that they are under. I believe we have the depth to effect a winning combination in our remaining games. The championship race is going down to the wire."

Ajax welcome the return of Nathan Paulse, Bryce Moon and Mhkanyiseli Siwahla.