Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena says his side are preparing for a “fierce” battle against Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Thursday evening.

The Brazilians will come into this fixture knowing a win will see them being crowned DStv Premiership champions for the 2023-24 season.

Sundowns are unbeaten in the league this season and will head into the clash after defeating TS Galaxy 3-0 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Monday evening.

Mokwena says he will show their arch-rivals Chiefs all the respect but at the same time would like to win the league title.

“Chiefs is Chiefs and we all know that in any day they can turn up. They are a big Club and they deserve incredible respect. They have a good coach and I know him personally because I learnt a lot from him,” Mokwena told his club’s official website.

“They’ve got some very good players and they are a team that is capable of beating anybody,” coach Rulani stated.

“What will be the message for the players? That we are playing against a very big team and our arch-rivals. We are playing an important game which requires us to go there with humility and a lot of respect.

“I think as a fierce competitor, Coach Cavin Johnson would like to win the game and I think he knows it’s the same with me. Furthermore, winning the title will be very sweet because it’s an important competition for us and it’s an important season.”

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