Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune insists that his side need to be alert and cannot afford to switch off against Highlands Park.

The Glamour Boys are set to travel to the Makhulong Stadium when they take on the Lions of the North in the Nedbank Cup last 16 as both sides will be looking to book their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Amakhosi made their way into this stage of the competition after securing a 1-0 victory over Royal Eagles at the FNB Stadium on 8 February courtesy a 70th minute strike from Lebogang Manyama.

Highlands, meanwhile, progressed to the last 16 after a brace Peter Shalulile fired them to a 2-0 victory over Uthongathi FC on the same day.

Khune believes that his side’s two previous victories over Highlands this season will have no bearing on their last 16 clash against them in Tembisa on Saturday afternoon.

‘We might have played them already this season, but this is a different ball game,’ Khune told his club’s official website.

‘They are hosting us, but for us playing home or away is not different because we are fortunate to have fans who travel to all of our games and we must use that to our advantage. We are not expecting an easy match but we ready for the fight and want to ensure we carry on in the competition.’

Khune is expecting a tough showing against Highlands but confident that Chiefs will be able to withstand the pressure and progress to the quarter-finals.

‘Cup games are never easy,’ he added.

‘You can play for 90 minutes and then have the game extended for another 30 minutes and penalties. We will aim not to stretch the game and try and get the result inside 90 minutes. We must be mentally, physically and emotionally prepared because, in games like this, we cannot afford to switch off at any stage – we need to be alert. We also need to make the most of our chances.’