Cavin Johnson, Kaizer Chiefs coach, says the timely win over SuperSport United has prepared them to give their all against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Chiefs, out of the CAF Champions League race, host the soon-to-be champions at FNB Stadium on Thursday (19:30).

Despite a disappointing season, Chiefs historically rise to the occasion against Sundowns. However, Rulani Mokwena’s side remains undefeated in the PSL era with a record-breaking 23 opening matches. Sundowns, unlike Chiefs battling for a top-eight finish, need these three points to secure their seventh consecutive league title with six games remaining. If they beat Chiefs tonight, Sundowns will retain their trophy.

“The players are in a very good space after getting a good result, and more importantly, putting in a good performance against SuperSport,” said Cavin Johnson, who was previously employed by Sundowns. 

“We face another Tshwane team in our home stadium in front of our amazing supporters, and we are preparing to take Sundowns ‘to the wire’. 

“As the home team, it is incumbent on us to give a good account of ourselves and go all out to get the three points.”

Sundowns, coming off a CAF Champions League semi final defeat to ES Esperance on Friday, defeated TS Galaxy 3-0 at Loftus Stadium on Monday. Mokwena strategically rested key players like Marcelo Allende, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Rivaldo Coetzee, Khulisi Mudau and Mothobi Mvala in preparation for this crucial match.

“They are a well-organised team, with some good players and a technical staff that pushes them to keep up a high standard,” said Johnson.

“Having seen them play TS Galaxy on Monday, it is difficult to predict what line-up Rulani will select to play us. He has a big, talented group of players at his disposal, although we expect some of the players who missed out against TS Galaxy to come back into the side.”

Picture courtesy of Kaizer Chiefs