Nathi Lions coach, Professor Ngubane, has told his players to totally disregard Mpumalanga Black Aces' 5-1 hammering received at the hands of SuperSport United in a one sided Telkom Knockout first round clash on Sunday in Witbank.

Lions tackle Aces in the first leg of their promotion/relegation semifinal playoff at the same venue — the Puma Rugby Stadium on Wednesday night (kickoff 7.30pm) and Ngubane is not fooled by Aces' defeat.

Said Ngubane: "It was a poor performance from Aces, but that will not be the team we will play against.

"Players who came in did not perform, but I know coach (Aki Agiomamitis) will field a different side against us. I also know what team he will play and I have planned accordingly.

"It will be a totally different game to the one we saw on Sunday and that is why I told my players at training to forget what they saw and not be lulled into a false sense of security."

Agiomamatis said after the 5-1 slaughter he now knew who would and would not feature against Lions. His side were terrible against United and no wonder Aces fans were getting unruly in the crowd.

Aces only started trying to test United when they went 5-0 down. Confidence will be at low ebb and this could be a telling factor.

It will be difficult for the coach to lift his players after such a match where Aces lacked discipline and showed little appetite for the game.

Ngubane, however, has done his homework: "I have a plan worked out.

"Part of which is to play it simple and get behind the ball. I am happy with the discipline and commitment from my players who must not forget that despite the loss to SuperSport, Aces are still a PSL side and fighting for their lives."

But Ngubane stressed that he would not expose his players by opting for a defensive approach."We have the second leg at home in Durban next week and winning in Witbank would be a fantastic boost, but there is still a long road ahead before we start counting any chickens."

Agiomamitis is expected to bring back first choice goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro after Chad Harpur's poor display against United.

Experienced defenders Thomrick October, Buti Sithole and Felix Musasa, will beef up the defence, while Clifford Mulenga should return to the midfield.

Ngubane was playing his cards close to his chest about his starting line-up, but his captain and defensive midfield kingpin, Nhlanhla Mncube, and former Zambian intentional striker Songwe Chalwe, will play key roles.

In the other playoff semifinal on Wednesday, Black Leopards get a second bite at the promotion cheery when they host QwaQwa based African Wanderers at the Tshifulanani Stadium (kick-off 3.30pm).

Leopards, who won the National First Division Inland Stream, were beaten in the promotion play off 2-1 on aggregate by Vasco da Gama who earned the right to compete with the big boys in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) next season.

The eventual playoff winner will join Vasco in the top flight.