Of the 23 players who did duty against Ikeys, winger Vainon Willis is the only doubtful selection for the outing to the Free State capital.

“Vainon has a hamstring injury and will only be cleared or not on Friday, but my gut tells me it will better to not play him against opponents who are experts in running from anywhere on the pitch,” added Marais.

“I have every confidence in the guys who played against Ikeys to become a formidable unit. They have the talent and ability to be champions. The more they play together, they more they will grow as a team with the consequent improvement in cohesion, urgency, momentum and continuity. Only the brave will write us off. It is, after all, early days.”