Kaizer Chiefs will bounce back when they play BidVest Wits in their Absa Premiership clash at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

That was the prediction from 'Amakhosi' football manager Bobby Motaung, after the holders were edged out of the MTN8 competition by Ajax Cape Town 4-3 on aggregate following a six goal semifinal, second round thriller at the Orlando Stadium that ended 3-3 on Sunday.

The 'Urban Warriors' won the nail biting two legged tie after beating Chiefs 1-0 in the first leg played at Newlands last weekend.

Said Motaung: "At the end of the day it was disappointing to lose but we played well and Cup matches are one off games.

"It was one of those things. We played well and will make amends when we play Wits here (Orlando) in the league on Wednesday."

The cup-tie was one of the best seen for years with both teams throwing caution to the wind and going for broke. The end result was the 40 000 fans that packed into the Soweto venue went home disappointed that Chiefs were knocked out, but had to be impressed by the action and entertainment both teams produced during a hectic 90 minutes that swung from end to end.

Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic, agreed his side will bounce back. "We made mistakes against Ajax, but there were a lot of good things I saw.

"We scored three good goals and showed tremendous fighting spirit and I am happy with that.

"I am a positive person and is confident we will do well against Wits on Wednesday."

The Serbian born coach is also pleased that his star winger, Siphiwe Tshabalala, who is back after injury. The Bafana Bafana star who played a big role in helping South Africa finish fourth in the recent Confederations Cup, has been injured since the FIFA tournament and has missed Chiefs' pre-season.

But he made a huge difference when he came on in the second half capping a fine performance by scoring the third goal.

Meanwhile, Vermezovic said he would not panic and drop keeper Kabelo Metsimetsi, who struggled at times on debut against Ajax.

"The goalkeeper was not to blame for us going out of the Cup."

On the other hand Wits coach Roger de Sa, knows how dangerous a wounded Chiefs are.

Said De Sa: "We have to improve. Playing at Orlando Stadium will provide a tremendous atmosphere for my players and we are looking forward to the game."

Sapa

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