Head coach Roger Palmgren's burning desire to see his side emerge with full points against unpredictable Santos will be boosted with a fit squad at Athlone Stadium on Friday at 8pm.
The Mother City side have collected just 11 points in 13 matches and find themselves on unfamiliar territory by their standards, but the former Sierra Leone coach says in new mentor, Duncan Crowie they maybe destined to turn the corner soon.
"They are a very strong team and are not used to staying at the bottom like that. They are more likely to turn the corner, especially now that they have a new coach.
Fortunately for us we have most of our players ready.
And we're expecting a new team and a very tough game," the coach said.
The uncompromisingly windy Cape Town weather might be an added concern for the Swede and his men.
For midfielder Sithembiso Goodman Dlamini who was on target recently away to Platinum Stars has elected not to dwell on the away or home mentality but says casting a strong net will be their safest bet for gain against the People's Team.
Last season meetings between the 15th placed side and Usuthu yielded just two points in both home and away encounters.
Midfielder Sbusiso Hadebe is available for selection after a two month long lay off due to an ankle injury and SA U23 international Thamsanqa Sangweni might be back in the starting line-up.
For the KZN club a positive result will be crucial as the next hurdle towards finishing in the Top 8 will be an ultimate test of grit against three point hungry Kaizer Chiefs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 20th December.