Amakhosi are still nursing their wounds after being beaten 2-1 by Maritzburg United in a league match at FNB Stadium last Saturday.
The Lions of the North, meanwhile, will go to the Nedbank Cup last 16 game against the Soweto giants with their tails up after earning a vital point against Bidvest Wits on Wednesday.
The cup clash in Tembisa is already sold out.
"It's sold out at Makhulong. That's not an easy fortress for anybody," Da Gama warns.
"Since you go in that tunnel it's difficult to come out of the pitch. The condition, it's a pitch that suits our game.
"We will certainly give it our best shot. We are going to make sure it's a hell of a game on Saturday, there is no doubt about it."
Meanwhile, Highlands have suffered a huge blow ahead of the tie after midfielder Mothibi Mvala picked up his fourth booking against Wits, meaning he is suspended.
"It's a big loss," Da Gama admits.
"Everything happens for a reason. If it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be. Somebody else must play. Maybe it gives him time to rest as well but it's a big loss for us."