Having eased past city rivals SuperSport United, the Brazilians are looking to add more silverware to their ever-growing trophy cabinet, and despite being South Africa’s in-form team, MTN8 opponents Chippa will be no walkovers, having started the 2016/17 season with back-to-back League and cup victories themselves.
And coach Malesela says his side are only focused on themselves, and will not give Downs more respect than they deserve.
"I'm not looking at what Sundowns can do,” he is quoted as saying on the PSL’s website. “I'm looking at what we need to do you know, and the biggest point overall is not to concede a goal at home.
"But I'm not saying we are going to defend. We don't know how to do that, sit back and wait for people.”
The Chilli Boys’ coach is aware of the quality his side are up against, but expects an entertaining first-leg encounter in Port Elizabeth.
"They are not in the Champions league by fluke and are not the champions of our league by fluke, so we have to afford them the respect they deserve,” he said. “I think that it could be a very entertaining match for the spectators.”
Kick-off on Sunday afternoon is set for 3pm.