MAMELODI Sundowns are not in a generous mood this year and have warned Jomo Cosmos that they will go back to Johannesburg empty- handed on Sunday.

The two sides meet at Loftus at 3.30pm in an Absa Premiership match that has all the ingredients of a thriller.

The Brazilians are fresh from a hard-fought 1-0 win over AmaZulu in Durban on Wednesday to intensify their leadership on the log table.

On the other hand, relegation-threatened Cosmos started their 2012 campaign with a 1-1 draw with title-chasers Kaizer Chiefs in Port Elizabeth, also on Wednesday.

In their first round clash, the star-studded Sundowns beat Cosmos 2-0 at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton in August.

Sundowns' joint assistant coach Alex "Barnes" Bapela is confident they will continue with their winning streak, though they expect a tough match from Cosmos.

"I saw Cosmos against Chiefs on Wednesday, they have improved tremendously. Bra J (Jomo Sono) has assembled a great side that will surprise many people.

"We are happy to have started 2012 with a win, though we are not happy with our overall performance. We should have done better.

"Cosmos will be difficult but we will prepare thoroughly for them," said Bapela.

From Cosmos's side, media officer Lucky Mahlathe said they were geared up for Sundowns.

"We were unlucky not to win against Chiefs. The performance of the team has inspired us to continue working hard to move out of the relegation zone."

The Cosmos defence of Lebogang Pila and company will have to keep a close eye on Sundowns' deadly striker Katlego "Killer" Mphela if they are serious about bringing the Pretoria giants to their knees.

l In the other match on Sunday, Maritzburg United welcome Ajax Cape Town to Harry Gwala Stadium at 3.30pm.