After booking a spot in the CAF Champions League knockout phase, Mamelodi Sundowns return to domestic football to face a foe that is responsible for one of their lowest moments in history.
Waiting for Sundowns after their Champions League group stage adventure are rookies Magesi, who host the reigning league champions in Polokwane on Wednesday evening, hoping to repeat the heroics of two months ago, when they came from behind to record a Carling Knockout final victory over the Tshwane giants.
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Magesi have not won a match since beating Sundowns in the final and have since parted ways with Clinton Larsen during this period, but they remain a side capable of causing an upset if taken lightly by the opposition. It's for that reason Sundowns are not taking anything for granted going into the clash at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.
Sundowns will be away from continental football for about two months, giving them an opportunity to focus on solidifying their spot at the top. Orlando Pirates are breathing heavily down their necks in second place, so there is a lot of room for error.
Right back Thapelo Morena has been at the club long enough to know that they need to collect as many points as possible before returning to continental action in about two months time.
"I think the mentality is going to be the same. The hunger is going to be the same because it's different in the PSL. We played against Magesi in the final and we did not have a good result, so we are going to take it a notch up," Morena told media after Sundowns' Champions League match against AS FAR at Loftus Stadium on Sunday.
"We want to fix our record in the league and we know that the number two (Orlando Pirates) is three points behind us. We need to try to level up and open the gap."
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"If we continue winning, we know it's going to be difficult for other teams to catch up. And also, when you win and the other team wins, it's good because it pushes us because we are preparing for the Champions League also."
