Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango has labelled this weekend's MTN 8 clash with Kaizer Chiefs as a "mouth-watering" encounter.
Masandawana gets their 2021/22 campaign under way with a highly-anticipated MTN8 quarter-final fixture against the Amakhosi on Sunday.
Ahead of the match, Downs' shot-stopper, Onyango, stressed the magnitude of the fixture and highlighted the importance a positive result could have on the club's pursuit of a first top-eight trophy since 2007 (then the SAA Supa8).
"It's a very big encounter for us and, of course, for them," Onyango was quoted on the Sundowns website.
"They really want to win the first game and get into the semi-finals, but we're also looking forward to it the same since we've been struggling to win the MTN8.
"It's a very difficult game but it gives the opportunity also for the boys to start off with a strong side and try to get good results, and get momentum to take us throughout the season."
Sundowns kicked off last season with a 3-0 opening day win over Chiefs in the DStv Premiership but Onyango warns that this weekend's encounter will pose an altogether different challenge.
"Playing an opening game against Kaizer Chiefs is always mouth-watering, just like last season," Onyango added.
"This season it's different because it's a cup game, last season it was a league match, those are two different competitions and the approaches are not the same."
The match is set to take place at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.
Scroll through the gallery below to see Sundowns' new home away kits for this season