Mpheni Home Defenders chairman and head coach Vhutshilo Phuravhathu has promised a tough challenge against Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday.
The Limpopo province ABC Motsepe League team will face the Premier Soccer League giants in the Nedbank Cup round of 16.
Mpheni Home Defenders was established in 1990 in a village called Mpheni.
However, Phuravhathu has been managing the team since 2015, serving as both head coach and chairman.
Currently, they are in fifth place in Limpopo province's Stream A, with two matches in hand.
Kick-off at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday is at 15:00.
"The preparations are going well; although it's raining, we are not changing our normal routine. We are focusing on ourselves. We have a performance analyst, and since we play in the ABC Motsepe League, we typically do not watch opponents' videos or analyze them. Instead, we focus on improving our own game," says Phuravhathu.
"We are trying to calm the nerves of the boys because this is an important game for them. It will be their first time playing on television, especially on such a prominent platform.
"I told them this is a chance to showcase their talent to the world. They shouldn't put too much pressure on themselves, especially since many have already written them off in this cup competition, believing they are destined to lose to Mamelodi Sundowns.
"Our goal is to go out there, play to our strengths, and capitalize on Sundowns' weaknesses. We are not going to be afraid; when we win the ball, we will play it, not just kick it forward. Teamwork is crucial, and we will work hard to close down all channels to prevent them from executing their combination play. That's our game plan, but I don't want to reveal too much.
"I've been telling the boys, 'This is your chance to make a mark in South African football. Leave everything on the field and make a name for yourselves.'
"As Mpheni Home Defenders, we simply want to advance further than we already have, because reaching the last 16 we already did".