Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has warned Mamelodi Sundowns that their midweek league clash will not be a walk in the park.
Pirates host Sundowns at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
Speaking to the media at the Rand Stadium on Monday, Maela admitted that Sundowns are the team to beat, but said Bucs have a plan to cause an upset.
“It’s no secret that they [Sundowns] have had enormous success. They’ve done things right and their process is finally paying off,” Maela said.
“However, we know what we must do in order to surpass that level [which Sundowns have reached], and I think we are heading in the right direction.
“As much as we are saying we are playing against a good team, a decent team, I think they know that they are also playing a very strong team, a confident team.
“We are a team that plays with aggression, fluidity and we are enjoyable to watch. I am sure where they are, they know it’s not going to be easy.”
Bucs go into the encounter on the back of a 1-0 defeat by Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana during their CAF Champions League second preliminary first-leg game on Sunday.
Coach Jose Riveiro said his charges are revved up to make amends and return to winning ways at the expense of Sundowns.
“The players are disappointed with the last result [against Jwaneng], they want to make things right. The game against Sundowns gives us an opportunity to do that,” he said.
The likes of on-form striker Zakhele Lepasa, skilful midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi and Monnapule Saleng will be expected to cause troubles for the Brazilians.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa
