Mamelodi Sundowns will be in action against relegation threatened Chippa United on Monday afternoon in the DStv Premiership at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium.
Masandawana will be hoping to bounce back from their disappointing loss to CR Belouizdad in Saturday’s CAF Champions League which ended their 28 unbeaten run in all competition.
With a busy week ahead, head coach coach Rulani Mokwena said he was hopeful his players will respond positively and return back to winning ways.
While speaking with the club media, Mokwena said his team haven’t felt the kind of loss they suffered for a long time since October last year.
“We haven’t felt like this in a long time, the mood is somber but it’s okay this is how we have to test our resolve and mental fortitude.
“It’s not in failing how you are tested, it’s about how you react after the failure and how quickly you get up and that’s what we’ve got to do.”
Reflecting on his opponents who have undergone managerial change and his team preparation, Mokwena said he is yet to know much about the opposition head coach.
“Preparing for Chippa is very difficult at this point in time because of the change in leadership and the change in technical direction.
“We don’t know much about [their coach], but the reality is we still have a responsibility to do our work.”
“When you have lost a match you are driven to dig even deeper and make sure you leave no stone unturned and that’s where we are with regards to Chippa.”
“We have a short turnover period and a lot of work to be done.
“You have to put in the hours, when you create that work ethic you create the culture within the club that is heavily reliant on work, and that’s where we are now.”
The reverse fixture between both sides ended in favour of Mamelodi Sundowns, with Lebohang Maboe and Gaston Sirino scoring to give the Brazilians a 2-0 win back in January.
Sundowns head into tomorrow’s tie looking to extend their formidable start in the league. So far this season, they have not tasted defeat after 19 games.
Sundowns have already taken part in four fixtures in the month of April and have a busy week ahead of them with their Nedbank Cup quarter-final tie around the corner.
For now, the aim will be to take all three points as they look to build on their lead at the top of the PSL standings.