Gavin Hunt will be looking for a swift response from his side when they host Maritz- burg United in the Absa Premiership tonight in the kind of game they need to win if they are to be considered genuine title contenders.

Wits were pulled apart by Mamelodi Sundowns in their 4-2 loss last Saturday, their defence stretched by the clever running of the Brazilians' forwards.

They will face a different kind of challenge against the KwaZulu-Natal side, who have made a poor start to the new campaign under coach Mandla Ncikazi, with eight goals conceded in their three matches in all competitions so far. United actually have a better record against Wits away from home and won this fixture the season before last, but that was when they were arguably a tougher nut to crack under Steve Komphela.

Ajax Cape Town will expect to make it back-to-back wins when they host struggling Free State Stars at the Cape Town Stadium, though coach Roger de Sa will have one eye on Sunday's MTN8 semifinal second leg at Wits.

That tie is locked at 1-1 and with the second leg likely to be as tight, De Sa is expected to play some of his more attacking players against Stars.

Free State Stars have looked every ordinary so far this season and are still in search of their first goal . at the right end, that is.

Lamontville Golden Arrows have taken four points from the first six available but now make the difficult trip to Platinum Stars.