Orlando Pirates begin their Nedbank Cup title defense with a trip to Mpumalanga to take on Crystal Lake at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
Crystal Lake is determined to make history against one of the biggest names in the conference.
The Mpumalanga side have won each of their last seven home games, setting the tone to back up their ambitions.
Pirates coach Ribeiro says Makgopa: “The best is yet to come''
They currently sit second in the Elanzeni Men's Regional League subdivision, having won three of their last five games, but lost once there and are stuck in a stalemate.
Crystal Lake earned its first appearance in the Round of 32, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country, with a 1-0 victory over Middleburg United in the state playoff final.
Standing between them for qualification to the next round are the defenders, who returned to competitive football last Saturday with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld. Champion Orlando Pirates.
The Pirates have endured mixed results in their last six games, winning three in a row but losing consecutive games.
Crystal Lake is looking for an upset against the Pirates
With one point from their last three league games, a return to cup football could improve their results as only a win on Saturday can complete their mission to repeat last season's heroics. The aim is to ensure that.
Pirates manager Jose Ribeiro has made it clear that he has 34 players available for selection out of 36 players, meaning he has almost the full squad at his disposal.
Midfielder Miguel Tim is one of the players who will be absent, having been suspended after picking up two yellow cards against Sundowns.
The game between the Pirates and Crystal Lake will kick off at 3:00 p.m.
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