Every minute will count at FNB Stadium this evening against Wydad Athletic Club, but every single member of the Amakhosi squad is prepared for battle and ready to step up and be counted.

“We are all working hard, and we are well prepared for the match. We know what to expect from Wydad and we will go out there with confidence,” says Chiefs left-back Yagan Sasman, who has had his injury troubles but played 60 important minutes in the semi-final first leg in Casablanca last week.

Sasman considered himself fully recovered from the calf strain that led to his substitution in Casablanca, and ready to play a role if called on this weekend.

Amakhosi will need the attitude of squad players like Anthony Akumu Agay, who considered the 10 minutes he played in the closing stages in Casablanca as a “privilege” in the quest for continued continental progression.

“We knew we would come back with a positive result from Casablanca. Our planning and approach to the game was very positive. It was a privilege to get the 10 minutes I had on the pitch. I did my best, followed the instructions and covered the spaces,” says Agay.

“We know what lies ahead of us, it’s a big-big game. Wydad are an experienced team, but it’s all about us now, how we have prepared, how we will minimise our mistakes and capitalise on our strengths. The attitude is there, the character and all the ingredients. We are all of one mind and the spirit is there,” added Agay.

Right-back Reeve Frosler says the trip to Morocco was “challenging” and they know they are in for more of the same at home.

“We expect another good fight and challenge. We will embrace it and perform to the best of our ability. It’s been a good week of preparations and we are looking forward to the game on Saturday. We have done well thus far, but we have an opportunity to go even further and we will be trying to go all the way,” says Frosler.

The excitement and the nerves are jangling, but Amakhosi know they need to dig deep and stay focused.

“It’s a very exciting experiencing, my first time in the group stages. I’ll keep my head down and keep working hard and you never know where we can end up,” says Frosler.

The big game will kick off at 18:00 at FNB Stadium.