With the Golden Boot, or the Lesley Award as it is now called, virtually guaranteed, Mbesuma said he had a score to settle with United. Having been marked out of the game by Siboniso Gaxa in the SAA Supa8 final last year, Mbesuma won the duel in the Coca-Cola Cup final eluding his marker to give Amakhosi the winner.

"It’s very sad and disappointing to miss such a big game," said Mbesuma. "I was hoping to help my team win this match but we have more quality players and I a sure they will do the job."

Ntofotofo, as he is popularly known, has been a pillar of strength for Amakhosi and there were even suggestions in the media that the club cannot function without the Zambian star. Chiefs will have a chance to refute those claims against United, a team they have never beaten in the league since 1999.

"We play as a team and I don’t think it’s fair on the other players to suggest that if one player is out the team cannot perform," he stated.

The striker, on the verge of breaking Fani Madida’s record for the most number of goals in a season (34 in 1991) was reported to have said he would score 40 this season. However, the Zambian striker says he was quoted out of context.

"I never said I would score 40 goals. I just said I will score any many goals as I can and I am happy to have contributed to the club’s progress this season," he recalled. "I think I was able to score these goals because of my teammates. We have had a good connection and this helped us a lot."

Meanwhile, midfielder Tinashe "The General" Nengomasha said it was important to win on Wednesday night to pile the pressure on Pirates. “There’s only two games to go and we cannot afford to slip. We have to win this game for our supporters who have been with us through and through," he said.

Reflecting on the Bush Bucks game, The General said it was an incredible comeback. "The one minute we thought we were losing the match but never gave up. And when we equalised, we knew there was a possibility for us to win the match. We kept on attacking and were finally rewarded," he said.