Johannesburg  - The stage is set for a mouth-watering clash between world 800m champion Caster Semenya and Mapaseka Makhanya in Potchefstroom on Saturday, reports the Sowetan.

The two will square up in the opening 2011 Yellow Pages Series meet in the 800m, which Makhanya is confident of winning.

"I have never competed against Caster, Saturday is a perfect opportunity for me not only to do that but also to win against a world champion," said Makhanya.

"For me it's not about Caster, I want to use the series to sharpen myself up for the national championships in Durban later this year. My target for this year is to be selected for the World Championships in South Korea in August."

Semenya will be making her first appearance in a local competition since winning the world title in Germany in 2009. She could not be reached for comment. Lebo and Lebohang Phalula, Tebogo Masehla and Tshamano Setone will also compete in Potchefstroom.

Athletics South Africa board member Hendrick "The Champ" Ramaala said: "We are looking forward to a great track and field season. The big one this year is the World Championships in South Korea in August, which most of the elite athletes will use to prepare for the 2012 London Olympics."