The first match of the season will also be the headline fixture of the weekend with the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, hosting last season’s runners-up, AmaZulu, in Pretoria.

Sundowns are targeting five straight league titles, while Usuthu want to continue last season’s good work.

The AmaZulu coach, Benni McCarthy, is optimistic about their chances.

“We need to bounce back from our defeat against City, but there is good quality and the boys look really psyched and up for the challenge. We know it will be a difficult match, they are the champions and they have added more quality players to the team.

“It is a tough challenge, but we don't shy away from that, we just prepare ourselves the best way we possibly can and hope the players will be up for the fight.

“We will have to work extremely hard, but that is football. We will try to make life uncomfortable for them and hope for the best possible outcome from the match. We think we can have some joy and success. But we will see, come Friday.”

Friday afternoon’s season opener at Loftus Versfeld kicks off at 17:00.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport