Kaizer Chiefs host Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership fixture at the FNB Stadium tonight, Saturday, 9 January (kick-off is at 20:15).

The players enjoyed their pre-match training session on Friday afternoon, being in good spirit. The remarks from the players afterwards indicated that the team is ready to do battle against league log the Brazilians.

“I am ok and I feel good,” said Erick Mathoho. The lanky defender is returning from injury after missing the last two matches of 2015.

The Sundowns clash will be the first match of 2016 with the Absa Premiership having returned to action after the festive season break on Friday evening. Ajax Cape Town and Bloemfontein played to a two-all draw.

Full-back Kgotso Moleko commented after Chiefs’ final training session: “We are looking forward to Saturday night’s game. We will do much of the talking on the pitch."

In head-to-head stats, Chiefs and Sundowns have met in 60 league matches since 1985. Amakhosi have 25 wins compared to 18 for the Brazilians, while 17 matches have been drawn. Most of Chiefs’ wins against Sundowns have come at home, 16 of the 25 wins in total.

“It’s good to be back and be involved in the preparations for a big game like this,” mentions Daniel Cardoso, who is back to full fitness. It looks as if the long wait to see the 27-year-old in action for the Amakhosi could be nearing an end.

Meanwhile, Bongani Ndulula was seen jogging around the pitch. He is recovering from a strained thigh muscle. Chiefs’ medical team confirms that the striker is ruled out for this high profile match.

The Brazilians are placed first on the Absa Premiership log with 26 points from 12 matches. Behind them is a chasing pack, including defending league champions Amakhosi who are in fourth position with 21 points from 12 matches.

Tickets for the match are sold at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers at a cost of R40 for stands and R30 for parking.