Mamelodi Sundowns’ victory made it easy for Kaizer Chiefs to realize what they are capable of, according to defender Sifiso Hlanti.
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Sundowns are on an 11-game winning streak and are 14 points clear at the top of the DStv Premiership standings.
The leaders are the next team to try and stop Sundowns’ deadly assault on their twelfth DStv Premiership league title – and sixth in a row.
Both sides meet at the FNB Stadium on Saturday night at 8pm.
“Before we move on, we have to give credit to Sundowns,” Hlanti said this week. “They have gone 11 games without defeat, which is good.
“It makes us know what we can do. But we don’t put ourselves under pressure. The task we have requires mental strength, that’s what we’re doing.
“We are united, we are one team and we are fully prepared,” added the former Bidvest Wits and AmaZulu FC defender.
The leaders go into the match still reeling from their 4-0 crushing loss to AmaZulu last weekend. Hlanti believes that he should forget about the game.
“We all know that I was suspended in the previous game. Besides, the result was not pleasant and it hurt everyone.
“But now it’s in the past. It’s gone and there’s no point talking about it because it’s a football game and some things happen for a reason.
“We always play to win, but sometimes things don’t go our way. This is one of them,” added Hlanti.
In the first round, Sundowns humiliated Amakhosi 4-0, but Hlanti said he is not thinking about that or taking revenge for the result going into Saturday’s match.
“Not. I wouldn’t say it’s a grudge match because every game we play is competitive, especially for us at Kaizer Chiefs.
“This is a challenge that requires us to unite and do our best while respecting the game. It will not be easy, but we are very prepared.
Mental strength
The boss has lost both sides, something Hlanti feels needs to be replaced but knows it takes mental strength to achieve it.
“Losing two games in a row is not a good feeling because we know the job we do as players.
“I think as senior players, we have to play a role in generating the feeling and the atmosphere in the team.
“At the end of the day, it’s not the end of the world. We know very well that we have to collect as many points as possible.
“But if things don’t go the way we want, we have to accept it and move on. Even if it’s not easy, we have to stay together and be positive,” added the Chiefs.