The season-ending competition pits Sundowns against lower-division opposition, with Gomora competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

There is a significant gap in quality between the two sides on paper, and most observers anticipate a comfortable progression for Sundowns.

As overwhelming favourites, the pressure sits squarely on Miguel Cardoso's team, particularly following their recent 2-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in last Friday's CAF Champions League fixture.

With scrutiny already intense, any slip-up against Gomora would be viewed as disastrous for the Tshwane giants. Cardoso has nonetheless urged his players to show full respect to their opponents and avoid complacency.

"I don't agree with the question that the younger guys on the other side are hungrier than my players," said Cardoso.

"Theoretically we should be better than Gomora but if we don't take ourselves to the limit, that theory doesn't exist. We need to really be committed in what we do in this match.

"We should focus on ourselves in the right way and to take the right mindset into the pitch. We have made a deep analysis of our opponents, just exactly like we're preparing for a champions league match.

"We'll have our usual analysis meeting so that we can present the tactical approach and how we see the match from our side."

Gomora United, meanwhile, head into the tie with little to lose. Despite being winless in their last four league matches, head coach Ashley Makhanya has insisted his squad will not be overawed by the occasion.

"We have no fear, we'll go and do our best, we know what Sundowns are capable of and what they have been doing for many years," Makhanya said.

"We have put our plan in motion and whatever happens will happen but we won't go there with fear. It's a wonderful experience from the perspective of the players.

"Generally any young player who has never played at that level against a team of that stature, they will be looking forward to playing in that game. You have to give them the opportunity to express themselves and show their quality."

His players are expected to approach the match without fear under the Loftus lights, aiming to defy the odds against elite opposition.

Nedbank Cup: Sundowns hope to avoid banana skin as they prepare for Gomora clash