Mamelodi Sundowns are hoping their skill will trump Enyimba's strength at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville Wednesday evening.
The two sides clash in a CAF Champions League Group B tie in which both teams are looking to chalk up their maiden points of the campaign.
While the South African champions did beat Tunisia's Entente Setif in the opening round nearly a fortnight ago, they've had that result nullified after the north African side was booted out of the competition following riots in that match.
Enyimba, on the other hand, were beaten by Egyptian giants Zamalek. And now, with just three teams left in the group, there is all to play for and Pitso Mosimane's men are looking to use home ground to their advantage but are counting on their silky touches to overcome the visitors.
To this effect, the former Bafana Bafana coach will look to the magic of Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly to lead Sundowns to victory over the two-time African Champions.
And both players, who played a starring role in the Brazilians' splendid domestic season, that saw them win the championship at a canter on top of the league cup, are ready to lead their team to victory.
“Although we don’t know much about them, we are playing at home and we need to stick to what we are good at and just go for the three points,” said Dolly. “That will put us at a pretty good place. We have always wanted to play in the Champions League and show Africa and the rest of the world that football in South Africa is growing.”
While Dolly will be working the flank on the right, Billiat - the PSL Footballer of the Season - will be causing all sorts of trouble to Enyimba down the right. The Zimbabwean international was his industrious self when Sundowns beat Setif a fortnight ago and will be keen to make up for that brilliant goal of his and the points that were nullified with a match-winning performance against Enyimba.
He says they are not dispirited by the CAF decision to kick the Algerian side out. “We are still motivated even after what happened this week. The last game always gives you something to look forward to.”
Having won in that tough environment, Sundowns should be favourites to get maximum points at the venue they've sort of made a fortress. Mosimane's men have not been beaten at home since the start of the continental campaign that saw them play in both the Champions League and the Confederation Cup.
But, Billiat admits, that kind of record has its disadvantage.
“Playing at home puts us under pressure to do well. But for us, it is always good to play under pressure because it gives us something to play for, to prove ourselves. So we will have to stay focused and bring our A game.”
The fact that they have not had any rest since the end of the domestic season is not getting to the Sundowns players, according to Billiat.
“We were fully aware when we won the league that if you want to be the best, you can’t get the same rest as people who are fighting to avoid relegation or people who are fighting for top eight,” he explains. “We see it with Barcelona and Real Madrid, they don’t get enough time with their families. We want to live in the same space. We want to play more games in our careers. We want to play all cups. For us it’s a motivation because some people are resting and don’t have enough time to express what they love to do. We love to play soccer. We are professional enough. We have to stay focused.”
Starting Wednesday evening, they have at least four continental matches to play. And it could be more should they go all the way to the final. But first they must overcome Enyimba. - The Star