The defending champions have collected 19 points from seven matches and hold a six-point lead at the summit. They are unbeaten in the league and have won their last five matches, most recently beating Siwelele 3-0 at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.

Chippa, meanwhile, are still searching for their first victory. Brandon Truter's side sit 12th with four points from five matches after four draws and one defeat.

The Chilli Boys have scored only twice in five league games but have conceded just four goals and kept three clean sheets. Their latest outing ended goalless against Milford FC.

Truter knows his side must improve in attack against the champions.

"The boys are growing nicely, but it’s the last third that is a concern for me - the chance we create. But we will prepare and focus on [Saturday]," he said, according to Sowetan.

The coach also pointed to their 3-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates as a warning of what can happen against top opposition.

"We were against the SA champions, we made three mistakes, and they punished us. So, let’s see if we can eliminate those mistakes, let’s see if we can put more discipline and turn the chances into goals," Truter said.

"We won’t get those many [chances] against Sundowns, and that will be a challenge for us."

Sundowns will arrive with confidence and considerable squad depth, although Khuliso Mudau remains sidelined with an Achilles injury.

However, Mothobi Mvala made his return to action in the win over Siwelele, and the defender is likely to feature again as Sundowns look to maintain their unbeaten run. His return gives Cardoso another option at the back as the champions prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.

Their preparations have also been disrupted by a late venue change, with the match moved from Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha to Buffalo City Stadium in East London.

Cardoso admitted the switch had affected plans ahead of their FIFA Intercontinental Cup meeting with Al-Ahli Saudi, but insisted it would not provide an excuse.

"We will do our best and we will fight with all we have and we will always be ready," he said. "We will play the best we can in the condition we have."

Sundowns have also dominated the head-to-head record, winning 18 of their 26 meetings with Chippa, with the other eight ending in draws. Chippa have never beaten the Brazilians.

Sundowns are chasing a sixth consecutive league victory, while Chippa will be desperate to turn another draw into their first win of the campaign.

Preview: Maniema Union vs Mamelodi Sundowns in Kinshasa