Pule was handed a three-month suspension after missing training without valid reasons in December. He last played for Amakhosi in the 0-0 Premier League draw against Manning Rangers in Durban on December 22.

Pule's three-month suspension ended last Monday but the former national under-23 star could find it difficult to break into the starting line-up, as the team has produced results in his absence. However, his presence in the team is sure to make a difference.

Chiefs managing director Kaizer Motaung told the club's official website that Pule would definitely be on the trip to Ajax and it would be up to the coaches whether to field the player in the starting line-up or use him as a substitute.

"Jabu has completed his suspension and will definitely be in the squad. As to whether he starts or comes on as a sub will be entirely up to the coaches," said Motaung.

"The boy has been training very hard and looked very hungry in the two friendly matches he played in the last two weeks. And his presence will be a welcome boost for the squad."

Ajax and Chiefs continue their recent history of meeting each other in crunch matches. The hosts will still be bitter about the previous cup encounter but it will count for nothing on the day as they will just have to be better prepared and more determined.

Chiefs will have the extra pressure of having to perform in front of a crowd of which a large section supports them, and expects them to perform.

Both teams have underachieved tremendously this season after promising plenty with their acquisitions and pre-season talk.

Ajax have had a poor league season and are in a relegation struggle. This will inspire them to try and salvage something from the season.

This match will probably end in post-match penalties, which will come down to seeing whose nerves holds his nerves the best.

Leading scorers:


Ajax: Nathan Paulse 7 (6 PSL + 1 Cup)


Chiefs: Kabamba Musasa 10 (8 PSL + 2 Cup)

Players to look out for:

Ajax:

Moeneeb Josephs: His call-up to Bafana will have boosted his confidence. His form has been brilliant and without him Ajax may already have been relegated. His shot stopping is superb and he has developed his sweeping abilities. He will want to outdo Baloyi to show that he should have been given a chance against Madagascar.

Robert Nauseb: He will once again relish the chance to take on one of his former clubs. He is slowly starting to find his feet but will feel he can contribute more. He has yet to score this season and one against Chiefs will be just the ticket.

Brett Evans: He has not had a season to remember. Often he has been out of position because of his natural attacking instinct. He will want to concentrate for the full game and be equally influential on defence and attack. Chiefs are generally strong down the right flank and they also chop and change during matches so he will have to be at his best.

Chiefs:

Jabu Pule: This game could see his return at the same venue where he made his comeback earlier in the season. He wil probably come on as a substitute. His skills are top-class but his mental make-up will come under scrutiny in the coming weeks.

Brian Baloyi: The captain and goalkeeper will be buoyed by his Bafana appearance. His expert reading, athleticism and reputation will be important as he will be called on to make saves, especially if the game goes into a penalty shoot-out.

Kabamba Musasa: He can now call himself a DR Congo international and he should still be on a high after his goal-scoring international debut. He has good vision and pace, and he finishes accurately. So Ajax defenders will have to be at their best.

The coaches:

Ajax: Gordon Igesund – he is aware that he has a poor record against Chiefs but Ajax have given Chiefs many problems. Hasn’t got the size and quality in his squad that he would prefer, but his current situation is an interesting test of his character and ability as a coach.

Chiefs: Doctor Khumalo and Donald Khuse – the two may not be head coaches next season but a cup in the cabinet will go a long way towards suggesting that they can be there in the future. They have worked well as a pair and are slowly increasing the passion and pride of playing for Chiefs.

Where they finished last season:


Ajax: 14th


Chiefs: 9th

Last 4 PSL matches between Ajax and Chiefs:

2001/02


17/10/01 Ajax 2 Chiefs 1 (Kannemeyer 6 Lechesa 51; Sithole 90)


27/02/02 Chiefs 3 Ajax 1 (Richards 38 Mabedi 74pen Fredericks 86;

Dinha 72)

2002/03


20/11/02 Chiefs 1 Ajax 1 (Fredericks 62; Paulse 66)


19/01/03 Ajax 0 Chiefs 2 (Fredericks 39 Musasa 83)

Current form of Clubs:

Ajax Cape Town – Last five games

 



Date	Opponents		Score	H/A	Scorers



9/3/03	Orlando Pirates	0-1	a	-	



12/3/03	Moroka Swallows	1-1	h	Paulse



19/3/03	Wits University	0-0	a	-



*22/3/03	Dynamos		3-1	h	Carelse, 
Paulse, August



28/3/03	Black Leopards	0-3	a	-

Kaizer Chiefs – Last five games

 



Date	Opponents		Score	H/A	Scorers



26/2/03	Moroka Swallows	4-2	h	Musasa 2, 
Fredericks, Mabedi pen



2/3/03	African Wanderers	1-2	h	Musasa



8/3/03	Hellenic		3-1	a	Macamo, 
Moshoeu, Musasa



15/3/03	Orlando Pirates	2-0	h	Moshoeu, Radebe



*22/3/03	FC Sporting	5-0	h	Nzama, 
Niemach 3, Richards