Mamelodi Sundowns FC midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise has warned his teammates to expect a difficult encounter when they face a fast-starting Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday at 3 pm. The Brazilians head into the clash with momentum of their own after opening their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign with a victory over TS Galaxy. Amakhosi, however, have made an even stronger start, winning their opening two league matches to move to the top of the standings. That has set up an early-season heavyweight clash between two sides expected to challenge for domestic honours this season. Mkhulise believes Sundowns must be at their best against a Chiefs side that has quickly found its rhythm under Fernando Da Cruz. “Obviously, we are playing a big game, and we are ready as Mamelodi Sundowns to do our best, and our supporters must expect us to give our all on the field of play,” said Mkhulise. The midfielder acknowledged the impressive start made by Amakhosi but insists Sundowns are focused on producing their own performance rather than worrying about their opponents’ position on the table. “It’s going to be a very difficult game because they [Chiefs] are doing well at the moment in the league. They have won their last two games in the league, and they are number one, I think. So, it will be a very difficult game,” he added. The meeting comes early in the campaign, but there is already plenty at stake. Chiefs will be eager to maintain their perfect record and strengthen their position at the top, while Sundowns will be looking to build on their opening-day victory. For Mkhulise and his teammates, the challenge will be to match Chiefs’ intensity while imposing their own style on the contest. With both clubs expected to be among the leading contenders for the Betway Premiership title, Saturday's encounter could provide an early indication of how the two sides are shaping up for the campaign ahead. League standing: 6th in Premier Soccer League, 3 pts, 1W-0D-0L from 1 games, recent form W. Title race: 3 points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs. Goals this season: 3 scored, 2 conceded (+1 goal difference).