The Tshwane giants head into their first home match on the back of a disappointing performance during the 1-1 draw against Chippa United in Gqeberha last Saturday.

Sundowns will be buoyed by their recent dominance over AmaZulu, winning the last four consecutive league matches between them without conceding a goal.

However, the KwaZulu-Natal based team should also be full of confidence following their victory against Betway Premiership newcomers Orbit College in their opening clash.

Masandawana have started the new season without talisman and 2024/25 PSL Player of the Year Lucas Ribeiro, who has not played for the club this season amid links with a move abroad, whilst Khuliso Mudau and Peter Shalulile are also linked with exits.

"We have to fight for the next one," said head coach Miguel Cardoso.

"Obviously the context of victory (against Chippa) would have allowed us to be in a general ambience and comfort zone, but it is not where we are, and we will deal with it in the right way. We will be strong for our next match, and we will fight to win it."

In contrast, Usuthu seem to have concluded their transfer business, with the younger squad showing discipline against Orbit by maintaining a clean sheet, whilst 22-year old's Tebogo Mashigo and Man of the Match Siyanda Hlangabeza also impressed for Arthur Zwane's side.

"We can't think because they drew their first game that perhaps it’s going to be an easier game," said Zwane.

"It's going to be a very difficult season for everyone. There will be fewer underdogs this season because if you look at our previous games against Sundowns, we lost due to their individual brilliance.

"Yes, they have quality, we have so much respect for them. But we cannot judge them based on their result against Chippa. It's going to be a different ball game when they play us," concluded the former Kaizer Chiefs coach.

Usuthu may still be without goalkeeper Richard Ofori for the clash against Sundowns following his concussion in their MTN8 quarter final loss against Stellenbosch.

Kick-off is at 19h30.