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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said his side would "need energy" to overcome Highlands Park in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
Sundowns have a gruelling fixture list due to their exploits in the Caf Champions League and go into the Cup encounter after a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday.
The Lion of North, by contrast, have had all week to prepare for the clash against Masandawana that will be played at the intimidating Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa.
Mosimane said in quotes published in the SowetanLIVE: "It's a cup game, it has its own tempo, momentum and emotions.
"It is a difficult place to go - who wants to go to Makhulong guys? And we are also playing well-rested teams.
"If you were not aware of what happened against Stellenbosch before Tebogo Langerman went out to leave us with 10 men for about 15 to 20 minutes including optional time on the pitch, we were already slowing down.
"Stellenbosch were on top of us but we managed the game.
"You need energy at Makhulong, you need player availability, which is what we are struggling with because of injuries.
"And you also need the mental strength because they don't pull out of tackles.
"They are strong, and they mark man to man - they go with you wherever you go. But fortunately, we have mental strength."
Sundowns are still on course to win the domestic treble having already annexed the Telkom Knockout trophy earlier in the season and are also four points behind log leaders Kaizer Chiefs in the Absa Premiership title race with a game in hand.
- TEAMtalk media
