Despite playing in front of their home supporters in Durban, Zwane has made it clear that the lower-division outfit cannot be underestimated, especially after their impressive giant-killing act in the previous round.

Casric Stars stunned Orlando Pirates to book their place in the last eight, a result that Zwane believes reflects both the belief and ambition within the squad.

Speaking ahead of the match, the AmaZulu mentor admitted that preparing for the National First Division side has been challenging due to their squad rotation and unpredictability.

"Look, it's difficult in the sense that you only get glimpses of them," Zwane told the media during a press conference.

"It's difficult to get everything because they've got a big pool, they've been rotating their squad. So as much as we are an open book to them, it's a vice-versa situation where whatever information we have might not be enough for us because this one game we cannot take lightly."

The Usuthu coach also acknowledged that Casric's victory over Pirates showed exactly what they are capable of when given the opportunity.

"They showed against Pirates that they are serious about this competition," he said.

"The way they approached that game tells you they are not here just to participate."

While AmaZulu will aim to use home advantage to their benefit, Zwane admitted his team has not been at its best recently, particularly in front of goal. Their inconsistent form in the league has added pressure ahead of the knockout clash.

Complicating matters further is the heavy fixture schedule AmaZulu are navigating, with Zwane revealing that several members of his squad are experiencing such physical demands for the first time.

"We're just trying to manage the players and you look at our squad as well, most of our boys have never been tested this way where you play something like six games in 14 days," he said.

"It has never happened to some, it's their very first time. So now we're helping them psychologically and mentally to adjust to these kinds of demands at this level."

Despite the challenges, Zwane insists AmaZulu remain focused on their ambition of lifting silverware.

"But we've always said we want to compete, we want to win cups. So we still want to win cups at the end of the day. Here is the opportunity for us and we're going to have to give it our all," he concluded.

Innocent Maela backs Orlando Pirates' readiness to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the title