"The standard of football in the National First Division is far from the one in the Absa Premiership, and I would like to call on my team-mates not to be fooled by the fact that we have been campaigning in the bigger league this past season - as that will be a big mistake," warned Maleka.

AmaZayoni avoided an automatic relegation to the NFD after they held Ajax Cape Town to a 1-1 draw in their last league match of the season, thus finishing their 2009/10 season on the 15th position with 26 points, just two points above relegated Jomo Cosmos, who lost their last match 1-0 away to Moroka Swallows.

"We are anticipating a very competitive play-offs and will have to be at our best to save our livelihood. It will be a sad day should we fail to retain our elite league status, hence our readiness to go out there and fight for our lives irrespective of which club we will be pitted against," added Maleka, who was at his best against Ajax.

Maleka said Nathi Lions are the only club which is a closed book as they are campaigning in the coastal stream of the NFD as opposed to Leopards and Warriors whom they have played against before while they were still campaigning in the NFD.

"But I guess that means nothing for us as football tactics change all the time, and it is very much unpredictable," said Maleka.

Mpho "Zico" Maleka, a former Dynamos, Amazulu, Silver Stars and Free State Stars player ended the season as the club’ second highest scorer with four league goals. Clifford Mulenga scored 7 in this years premiership.