Kaizer Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt on Thursday tipped this weekend's MTN8 semi-final opponents Orlando Pirates as favourites for the Premiership title after making several key signings.
The two sides clash this Saturday at the Orlando Stadium in the first leg of the cup competition before a return leg the following week at FNB Stadium.
The Soweto giants will both be looking to take a step towards ending a trophy drought, especially with favourites Mamelodi Sundowns making an early exit.
Hunt played down the significance of this weekend's clash but at the same time ramped up the pressure by naming the Buccaneers as league title favourites.
"In my opinion I think that they've got to be big favourites for the league title this year," Hunt said. "They've really boosted their squad with a lot of players that I know and worked with.
"So they've got a very good squad of players, what they do and how they do it is not for me to say but really they've got a good squad of players and they're certainly much much stronger than they were last season.
"So I know what lies ahead of us and we're looking forward to the game."
Wayde Jooste, Collins Makgaka, Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, Deon Hotto, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Thabang Monare and goalkeeper Richard Ofori have all joined the Buccaneers in the off-season.
Four of those signings worked formerly under Hunt who also added that winning the MTN8 offered advantages heading into the new campaign.
"The MTN8 is a great opportunity to get yourself in a cup final especially so early in a season, which I always think helps momentum going forward.
"The good thing is we have two games in the semi-final which gives you a certain perspective because of the home and away situation.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
- Compiled by Baden Gillion