Johannesburg - AmaZulu striker Siyabonga Nomvethe is hopeful the club can complete a second victory over Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of Friday's Premiership clash at King Zwelithini Stadium.
It could be a crucial result for the Brazilians as on Saturday second and third-placed Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs meet in the Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium.
Currently, coach Pitso Mosimane's men enjoy a four-point advantage over Bucs, and defeating Usuthu could extend their advantage.
Meanwhile, the Durban-based outfit are targeting a top-eight finish following some improved form in 2018.
As such, Nomvethe is seeking a win which would complete a double over Downs this season after the club won 2-1 last October.
The 40-year-old said: "It's a game and it’s not like it is going to be easy. It's going to be difficult for both sides because they want three points and we also want three points.
"I think we have to keep working hard so that we can see ourselves in the top eight. But we respect them of course, it's a big team and we know they're challenging for the league title. So us, we're challenging for the top eight.
"I think it'll be a big match and one may feel they're playing away...we play at home, but the atmosphere will grant us to grab the three points, especially when you dream to be in the top eight."