This encounter presents Amakhosi with an opportunity to avenge the Charity Cup defeat inflicted by the Chloorkop side on July 31 in a pulsating penalty shoot-out. Sundowns further intensified the rivalry by snatching Zimbabwean hitman Peter Ndlovu from right under the noses of the league champions.

The Zimbabwean will ironically not be on the field after collecting an unnecessary red card in the league match against Orlando Pirates two weeks ago. But even without Ndlovu, Paul Dolezar will be spoilt for choice when selecting his starting line-up.

After a good start to the season, the wheels came off against Pirates, who handed Sundowns their first league defeat. Then Wits added salt to the wound in the Coke Cup quarterfinals over the weekend.

Downs will, without doubt be on the offensive when they meet Amakhosi but keeper Rowen Fernandez believes the Glamour Boys are ready to stop any potential threat from the visitors.

“It’s a big one and we are ready. We are pumped up for the game, that’s for sure,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez and the Chiefs defence have recently come under a lot of criticism for their generosity in conceding goals. Nevertheless, Fernandez says such problems have been addressed.

“Kaizer (Motaung) has brought in the German goalkeeper trainer Rainer and Tladi and myself are now getting professional and personalised keeper training,” said Fernandez. “It’s (training) doing wonders to our game, reflexes and confidence has improved.”

Fernandez kept a clean sheet in the 4-0 Coca-Cola Cup win against Dynamos on Saturday and believes that the presence of the goalkeeper trainer will only enhance his game. “It’s easier, personally he is helping my game and for me he’s a big influence in my career right now. Of cause I am going to use his expertise when it comes to the game on Saturday,” said Fernandez.

“It’s going to be a big game between Brian and myself. Of course everyone knows the history between Brian Baloyi and myself, and it’s going to be interesting to see who gets one over the other one on the day,” said Fernandez.

“Because we performed so well last season and that success has come back to haunt us this season. The fact that we conceded 11 goals in 30 odd games now everybody believes that we set standards and we should be like that every season, which is quite understandable. But there’s no need to push panic buttons.

“Supporters need to understand that there’s new personnel at the back and people are getting to know each other. Things are working out, the defence is getting used to each other, the communication between the defence and myself is getting better. Look at the goals that they are scoring, they are crackers coming from outside the box.”

On the criticism directed at him Fernandez said: “You have to be man enough to stand up against people like these. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but they must understand that I am only human and I am not intentionally going out there to concede goals and to make mistakes. I hate to lose games and I hate conceding goals.”

On the Coca-Cola Cup semifinals draw: “Looking at all four semifinalists they all have a good chance of winning this tournament. No matter whom we drew it was going to be tough. I am looking forward to playing against Swallows, they are a good team and play good soccer. We beat them once before and I am sure we can do it again. It’s going to be one hell of a game.”

Fernandez said the players were not really feeling pressure despite having two major trophies - league and Coke Cup - to defend. “There’s pressure wherever you go. Playing for Kaizer Chiefs is pressure on its own.

“As long as we stick to our game plan and stick to what we know we can defend our crown. The PSL title is still a long way; it’s a marathon and not a sprint. Well the Coke Cup... it’s two wins away and we’ve got the trophy again. We just have to take each game as it comes and first things first. Our focus should be on the Sundowns game and after disposing them we will look at Swallows,” he said.

On what the supporters can look forward to this season… “Even more success than the previous season. If you look at out squad there’s about five players who have played in Africa (Champions League) and for most of us it’s going to be like a debut on the African stage.

“It’s going to be a big learning experience and boys are going to be separated from men. It’s going to make the team gel together and make us stronger knowing that we are going to Africa. We are going to have to stick together to succeed. We are looking forward to that and it will be nice to comeback with some good results.”