The first opponents that Mamelodi Sundowns will face in the CAF Champions League group stages have quietly sneaked into the country in preparation for that game.
Sundowns face Sudanese champions Al Hilal on February 11 in the first of their Group A matches which will be followed by two away matches at Al Merreikh and a trip further north to Al Ahly for their third match in the competition within a fortnight.
Though the Sudani Premier League begins early February, Al Hilal have been allowed to set base in South Africa ahead of their crunch tie against the 2016 Champions League winners.
Al Hilal have set base in Cape Town since Friday following the return of their players who were in the Sudanese national team at the AFCON finals.
The record Sudanese champions had seven players at the AFCON – Ali Abu Eshrein, Abdel Raouf, Mohamed Abdelrahman, Gumaa Abas, Mustafa Elfadni, Ishaq Adam and Waliedin Khedr.
They have now immediately switched focus to the Champions League in the year that they will be hoping to get into the knockout stages after six consecutive failed attempts.
While in South Africa, Al Hilal have already sealed a deal for Cape Town City attacking midfielder Abdul Ajagun.
The Nigerian has a single from 11 appearances for City this season but has been allowed to leave.
Al Hilal have also raised interest in Zambian forward Lazarous Kambole following his disappointing stay at Kaizer Chiefs where he remains transfer listed.
Meanwhile, Sundowns are also already deep into their preparations having enjoyed the benefit of having all their players available through the AFCON finals.
None of The Brazilians' players were at the tournament, which has now entered the semi-final stage.
Before Sundowns play Al Hilal they will travel to Princess Magogo for a Nedbank Cup date with Richards Bay on February 4 and then face Chippa United in the league (February 7).