AmaZulu play their first official match as a newly-promoted side on Sunday when they face Black Leopards of Venda in the MTN First Division national championship decider at King's Park Soccer Stadium (3pm).
The Usuthu, who pipped Park United for the honours in the coastal stream, are fortunate to have home-ground advantage because last season's play-off took place up-country between Ria Stars and winners Lamontville Golden Arrows.
In addition to the sides receiving R50 000 each for winning their respective streams, the victors of Sunday's game get a R25 000 bonus.
This R75 000 total is a paltry figure when compared with the R1.2-million cheque that Orlando Pirates have received for winning the Castle Premiership, but the Usuthu and Black Leopards will be more interested in the honour of being labelled the best side in the First Division in 2000/2001.
"Furthermore, the players will be playing for contracts," said Usuthu assistant coach Gavin Lane yesterday. "The players will want to show they are determined to play in the big league next season.
"They know that we have to trim our squad from the 31 players we have on our books at the moment.
"We need to bring it down to a more manageable number plus make space for some new players the club plans to bring in."
The sides are not allowed to use any newly-signed players on Sunday.
AmaZulu have no injuries ahead of the game, but suspensions rule out two players - defender Mthokozisi Zungu and midfielder Pro Shabalala.
Black Leopards, who will be playing in the Premiership for the first time next season after winning the Inland Stream with two matches to spare, are primarily owned by Northern Province businessman Aaron Thidiela.
He is a brother to former PSL security head David Thidiela.