Sundowns’ devastating performance suggests that there will be a lot of excitement ahead.
The pressure is on the Chiefs coach to lead his team to victory in the Telkom Knockout.
Scoring away from home has not been a problem for Pirates in the Confederation Cup this year.
A win for Bucs in the Confed Cup final will spur other South African clubs to prioritise their role in continental football.
Africa has to swiftly whittle down the number of competitors from 54 nations to 20 in the space of two months.
After they unexpectedly humbled Amakhosi last week, the return match and the African Confederation Cup final await the Buccaneers.
Most derbies have been snore fests, but this Saturday has the potential to break the mould and finally deliver the kind of excitement the crowds seek.
If Bucs play with attacking flair in Egypt on Sunday they could beat Al-Ahli.
For Ajax Cape Town R8-million will be a huge boost, and an affirmation of their low-key transfer policy and promotion from their youth ranks.
On paper, Mashaba’s men should win but this is a tie fraught with potential pitfalls, not least those of South Africa’s own making.