Matthew Rusike has played down suggestions that the Macufe Cup is a ‘friendly game’ insisting that he and his teammates will treat it like a normal game.

The Zimbabwean born is expected to play a part in the game in the absence of eight players due to call ups and Stuart Baxter revealing that he will use some ‘fringe’ players in the game.

“I am not quite sure if I am going to get an opportunity to play on Sunday but if I do I am hoping to make positive contribution,” said Rusike speaking to kaizerchiefs.com

“I have been giving my all in training and my fitness level has improved tremendously over the past couple of weeks. I have been learning a lot from the Technical Team and my fellow team mates.

Rusike insisted that the game is important and will be treated as such; “The game has been billed as a friendly match but we see it differently. The Macufe Cup means a lot to the fans and that is why they always fill the Free State Stadium and it will not be different on Sunday.

“It is not a charity game where we just going to give a game away. It is an opportunity for players who have not played yet this season to show the Technical Team what they can offer for the team going forward.

“The competition for places is stiff in the team and no one will take an opportunity to play on Sunday for granted,” added Rusike.