Vasco da Gama coach Tony De Nobrega says his team will go on an all-out attack when they face city rivals Santos in a Nedbank Cup qualifying match on Wednesday.
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The two Cape Town clubs are the last of the National First Division (NFD) sides that can make it into the Nedbank Cup proper, which starts off with 32 teams from the PSL's top league to SAFA's third division.
The winner of this clash will face Mbombela United, a Vodacom League team, in the last-32 round.
"We are looking forward to this game as this was a long break," De Nobrega told Football411 with reference to the time-off for Africa Cup of Nations, which ended on Sunday night.
"We played a few friendly matches, players got injured, they recovered and we are doing fine, just very eager to play."
Santos recently recruited former Black Leopards and Maritzburg United coach Ian Palmer to the Cape club and De Nobrega is looking forward to see what their visitors bring.
He said: "I know they have a new coach and that's about it. I'm sure they will come out fighting as we will, I mean, there has to be a winner and loser, so there is no use holding back.
"We know their players and what they are capable of, but I don't know of any changes they've made. I am concentrating on this team and working on our strengths. There is not much I can do to motivate the boys, they are all amped for this clash."
Vasco veteran midfielder Zeka Karkee echoed the opinion of his coach and is hoping they can go as far as the quarters.
"We all tired of waiting now, this was a very long break and we want to compete and win games. I can't wait for Wednesday," Karkee said excitedly.
"It's a tough match that we starting this year with but then again what game isn't? Santos is a very good team and what makes it more exciting is that this is a derby. So in this type of game we give it our all.
"The Nedbank Cup is a good platform to test ourselves against all types of teams, everyone is involved and we could face a team that we would never play in the NFD. But first is Santos and getting a win."
Kickoff is at 3pm at Parow Park, Cape Town.
By Shahied Joseph
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