There will be mini-battles all over the park as favourites Mamelodi Sundowns take on holders Marumo Gallants in the final of the Nedbank Cup at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on May 28.
Who comes out on top in the mini-skirmishes will determine which side is victorious overall and there is enough quality within either team to win the day.
We look at three key battles that could determine the outcome in the decider.
GRANT KEKANA VS NDABAYITHETHWA NDLONDLO
Sundowns defender Kekana has been a revelation since his arrival from SuperSport United at the start of the season, so much so that he has earned a place in the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for their June Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
His game-time has been boosted by injuries to Rushine de Reuck and Mosa Lebusa this season but he has grabbed his chance with both hands.
He will be tasked with keeping the diminutive but incredibly skilful Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo quiet in the decider, with much of Gallants’ good work going through the attacking midfielder.
Ndlondlo netted the winner in last year’s decider and has kept that form going by netting a further nine goals in this campaign, easily his best return.
The 26-year-old is a magician with the ball at his feet and one of the key’s to Sundowns’ potential success will be keeping him quiet.
ANDILE JALI VS MIGUEL TIMM
The midfield battle is always crucial in any game and who gets on top in the centre of the park more often than not goes on to win.
Jali has all the quality and experience to boss this game for Sundowns, especially as he is in arguably some of the best form of his career, certainly in his time at Chloorkop.
He has so much guile and know-how, and in the absence of the injured Rivaldo Coetzee, has taken on extra responsibility in the middle of the park.
He will come up against Miguel Timm, who is a no-nonsense defensive midfielder who often goes unseen in matches, such is his efficiency on the ball.
He keeps Gallants ticking over and is one of the most consistent players in the league, who also has experience of plying his trade overseas.
He was in the same Phoenix Rising side as the great Didier Drogba a few years back, and has been a quality campaigner wherever he has been. He will have a plan to counter Jali.
PETER SHALULILE VS LEHLOHONOLO NONYANE
This one could be a battle for the ages, the in-form Sundowns striker Shalulile against the old warhorse in Lehlohonolo Nonyane, who has already seen practically everything in the game.
Shalulile has been sensational in all competitions for Sundowns this season with 28 goals to his name and the most potent predatory instincts in the topflight.
He will need no introduction to Gallants having scored twice in the 4-0 league victory for The Brazilians back in November.
Trying to keep him quiet will be veteran centre-back Nonyane, who lifted the Nedbank Cup trophy as captain of the side last season.
He will have to use all his experience and know-how to counter the threat of not just Shalulile, but also the other attacking elements of the Sundowns side.
Nonyane’s communication and reading of the play will be vital to the team.