Manqoba Mngqithi has made his feelings known about what he expects from Nasreddine Nabi's rejuvenated Kaizer Chiefs ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns' latest trip to FNB Stadium.
Nabi will play his first game at home on Saturday (15;00) faced with having to get past a hurdle that has proven way too high for Chiefs in recent times.
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From the last 12 matches between the two clubs, Amakhosi have won just once, with The Brazilians piling up nine victories (including penalty win).
Yet with Nabi in charge, there have been improvements and Mngqithi has taken note.
"I think they are a very decent team and can hurt anyone," says the 53-year-old of Saturday's opponents.
"They are a very decent team.
"They are a very decent team that plays good football like us.
"They are a team that relies a lot on transitions.
"It is nice to play games against teams that are motivated and see an opportunity that they can beat you.
"It makes the game interesting for the spectators and open for both teams," notes Mngqithi, while acknowledging what makes him uncomfortable.
"I don't enjoy any opposition that poses problems to us, so I will be lying if I say I enjoy teams that come at us.
"But at this stage, what is interesting is that we are all playing open football because nobody respects anyone.
"And that moment in football, you must always appreciate it because there is a stage in football where maybe people start to respect you and approach you differently.
"At a time when nobody has respect for anyone, the games are very open, and you will see AmaZulu coming at Chiefs and see Chiefs going at AmaZulu.
"I see Marumo (Gallants) coming at us.
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"Teams are going at each other because at this stage, everybody thinks we are all equal," he says.
Chiefs and Sundowns have both won their opening two matches of the new season.