Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns are hopeful that talisman Khama Billiat will return to action this weekend - just in time for the start of their CAF Champions League defence.
Sundowns begin their 2017 continental campaign when they square up to Ugandan champions Kampala Capital City Authority FC at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday night.
It is a first round encounter after the 2016 champions were given a bye in the preliminary round.
Having missed the services of Billiat for the last couple of domestic encounters, the Sundowns website has reported that the Zimbabwean could well feature against the Ugandans.
"Sundowns will certainly not take KCCA lightly. In addition to the tireless efforts of the scouting team, goalkeeper Onyango would have provided them with some intelligence, and analysis of some of their players like Allen Okelo, Brian Majwega, Joseph Ochaya, Eric Simbambi and G Sserunkuna," the statement read.
"Chances are that the gloves will once more go to Wayne Sandilands, as Mosimane will not lightly risk the return from injury of Onyango, and Sandilands has proved himself more than capable between the sticks.
"But talisman Khama Billiat is likely to return to give the frontline that impetus that has been missing in the last two games while he was out injured.
"He would also have benefited from the rest, and will be charged up. The pace that will come from Billiat, Percy Tau and overlapping Thapelo Morena will almost certainly prove too hot for the Kampala side’s defence."
Kick off is at 19:00.