Owen Da Gama has made it clear that Highlands Park will be big underdogs when they take on Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.

The Lions of the North will host Masandawana at Makhulong Stadium on Saturday evening, hoping to pull off an upset against Pitso Mosimane's charges.

Da Gama admits his side will be up against it when they lock horns with, according to the Highlands coach, the best team in Africa.

"We are playing against probably the best team in Africa. There's no doubt about it, one of the best with loads of experience, loads of quality as well," said Da Gama, as quoted by SowetanLIVE.

"You always want to play against the best, that's how you grow as a team. The experience we will get is invaluable. I think we lack a little bit with the experience, but this is the type of game that allows us to grow and learn for the future.

"Sundowns can score from anywhere from (Gaston) Sirino, from (Themba) Zwane, from (Sibusiso) Vilakazi, from (Lebohang) Maboe, from (Hlompho) Kekana, from (Andile) Jali and from defenders. They are all-round, a fantastic team. They've been playing together for a while now.

"It's so easy to motivate the boys; it's self-motivational when you're playing against teams like Sundowns. But for me, the growth of the club is more important."

- TEAMtalk media