A 5-2 defeat to Platinum Stars would have been a bitter pill for former Dinaledi coach Owen da Gama to swallow.

The Free State side have been struggling for form of late and desperately need a positive result to get things back on track after haven slipped down the league table in recent weeks.

Skipper Thabo Nthethe says the team is very much aware that results have been poor and that a win is in desperate need.

“Of our last four games we have only got one point, which is very disappointing. After the loss to Stars, we don’t need much motivation – the players really want a win so that we can put that result behind us. We as players really want to give our supporters something to be happy about as we go into the Christmas break.

“A win against Ajax would be a good way to end the year and give us something to build on when we come back in February. We know it’s going to be difficult – Ajax also lost in midweek, so they won’t want to suffer another defeat, but the Celtic players are desperate to restore our pride, so we will be giving everything on Sunday,” says Nthethe.

Phunya Sele Sele come up against an Ajax side who have also not been on top of their game for a while, and for whom goals have been hard to come by – in fact, the only two sides Ajax have scored more goals than are the two clubs in the relegation zone.

Making matters worse for the Cape side is the fact that they have lost talisman Franklin Cale to Mamelodi Sundowns.

While it must be said Cale has not been anywhere near his best form in the last few months, his departure will surely be a physiological blow for the Urban Warriors.

Wing play has always been a key aspect of Ajax’s game and in this respect coach Foppe de Haan will hope that Sameegh Doutie can start consistently delivering the performances he is capable of.

Skipper and goal keeper Hans Vonk remains adamant that Ajax are on the right track, hoping that through a good brand of football, results will eventually come.

“I come from the school of thought where playing good football is a priority. I don’t believe in playing bad or ugly football and getting results – that won’t last long.

“Goals of course have been a problem, but we can’t only blame the strikers – football is a team sport and everyone has to play their part,” says Vonk.

The former Bafana Bafana goal minder is adamant there are positives from the Chiefs game to be taken into this match.

“We played some good football at times and had some good moments. We’re going into the Celtic game to give everything for the win – they may have lost on Wednesday, but we have lost our last two games and really want to get back to winning ways.”

Celtic will be without defender Michael Khaile, who was sent off against Stars, while Ajax striker George Maluleka will miss this match, having accumulated a third yellow card against Chiefs.