Sundowns are two points clear of their nearest rivals in Cape Town City on 27 points, although they have a massive buffer of having four games in hand.

“We are determined to start stretching the gap and our lead at the top to make sure the chasing pack find it difficult to catch up,” said Mkhulise.

“I think AmaZulu want will want to go all out because they are eager to improve their position on the log as well – and the added advantage is that they are playing in their own backyard. There’s a lot at stake for everyone in the league.”

The Brazilians travel to the King Zwelithini Stadium to face an Usuthu side the Downs star believes has a point to prove.

AmaZulu were eliminated at the semifinal phase of the Carling Knockout Cup by TS Galaxy on Sunday, while Downs too have been given a reality check following their narrow 1-0 defeat to TP Mazembe in their CAF Champions League group stage clash in Lubumbashi.

“The fact that they were not able to reach a cup final over the weekend means they have something to prove and they are going to come at us,” Mkhulise added.

“I can comfortably say we expect a very tough match, one which we are up for as well. We are also coming from a loss [against TP Mazembe] and that was hard to take.”

Asked which AmaZulu player was worth keeping an eye on, the 27-year-old highlighted striker Junior Dion, who has scored six goals in nine matches from all competitions for the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.

“Their striker Dion has been doing very well, scoring goals for them. He is the one guy we have to pay close attention to,” said Mkhulise.

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