Cape Town - The KwaZulu-Natal derby takes place on Saturday with the coaches of both Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United expecting a feisty affair at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu.
Home boss Clinton Larsen has not beaten the Team of Choice since taking charge a little over a year ago, while his team are also in the midst of a poor patch of Premiership form.
They have managed just one win in their last 10 games and are just about clinging on to seventh position on the standings.
For Maritzburg boss Roger De Sa, it is his first derby at the helm of the Pietermaritzburg club and he is prepared for a tricky encounter.
“I’ve been told a lot about the derby this week and from my understanding it’s going to be a tough game,” he said. “I’ve looked at some previous results and the history.
“It’s nice to play in these sort of games. I just hope we don’t get too cagey and it can work out to be an exciting game.”
Abafana Bes’thende last beat their rivals in the fixture in 2013 and will be keen to reverse that form in a match that is the first of a double header between the sides, as they also meet in the Nedbank Cup next weekend.
Larsen has several injury woes ahead of the game.
Kagisho Dikgacoi, Nkanyiso Cele, Vuyani Ntanga, Danny Phiri and Lehlohonolo Nonyane are all out, but Chiukepo Msowoya returns from suspension.
Maritzburg have reported a clean bill of health for the clash.
Kick off is at 18:00 on Saturday.