Kaizer Chiefs are well aware of the importance of getting past Primeiro de Agosto in the CAF Champions League on Tuesday, according to Ramahlwe Mphahlele.
Amakhosi need at least a score draw to progress to the group stage, and 'Rama' says the players are determined to start 2021 with a positive result.
"Everybody is aware of the importance of this game and everybody is aware that we need to start the new year with a win and carry on from there," said Mphahlele, as quoted by Goal.
"Everybody is in the same boat, we know it's important to get through to the group stage so we can compete with the best of Africa.
"The guys are looking forward to it. We've spoken about it since last season - as much as we didn't win the league, but the team is in the Champions League which is something we really want to explore. And the coach is prepared to go the extra mile in this competition."
Chiefs will take on the Angolan champions at Estadio 11 de Novembro at 17:00 SA time on Tuesday.
"We know it's going to be very difficult," he said.
"As much as we had a good game against them at home, I think we should have won easily. But it is what it is. It's a whole new game now because they are playing at home and they are going to come at us.
"But I think we have a big chance to go to the group stage and that is what we came here for."
- TEAMtalk media