Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena insists their mentality remains the same as they prepare to return to domestic duties for the first time in six weeks against SuperSport United on Wednesday evening.
Kick-off is at 7.30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
The Tshwane rivals are separated by just one point in the DStv Premiership standings ahead of their derby clash at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, having seen Cape Town City leapfrog both of them into top spot courtesy of a 1-0 win over Golden Arrows on Sunday.
Masandawana trail the Citizens by a single point in second place with five games in hand. Their last league outing was on September 27 when Mokwena's side beat Stellenbosch 3-1 to maintain their perfect start to the season.
The Brazilians have subsequently been involved in the African Football League - which they won - and the CAF Champions League, but Mokwena is confident that the mindset of his players won't change after a lengthy period of inactivity in the league.
"The reality is we just go one game at a time, one session at a time and we try to win on the day and whatever it is we have to participate in, we do it to the best of our ability," he said.
"That's the mentality we are trying to instil and that helps because you don't have to play tournaments or matches in relation to the competition. You play them with the objective and mentality to win the match."
The Swanky Boys are looking to snap a two-game winless run in the top flight after a 2-1 defeat to Sekhukhune United on November 12 saw them miss out on the chance to climb to the league summit.
Gavin Hunt's side are stretched thin at the moment and they won't be able to call on the services of goalkeeper Ricardo Goss and striker Etiosa Ighodaro for the derby due to their loan agreement with Sundowns.
Hunt didn't have time to prepare his team as he was away doing his CAF A Licence course, while SuperSport had to travel back from Egypt after their match with Future FC in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday.
However, veteran defender Onismor Bhasera admits they just have to get on with it and is adamant the players are motivated to end Downs' 32-game unbeaten run in the league.
"Difficult times, but we have to go through it. We know what we signed for and to be on top, Sundowns have been doing that for years," Bhasera said.
"So we have to match that. We have to bring our A-game. And regardless of our squad, it is a bit thin, but on the day, we have to put the best XI.
"We have to win this match to make sure we sit on top of the log table. It's a good motivation on its own and we are looking forward to it. All the players want to be part of the game."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SuperSport United
Grant Margeman: The 25-year-old midfielder will have a key role to play against his former employers. Margeman is the heartbeat of the team and he'll have to work his socks off alongside Gape Moralo to get the better of Sundowns in the middle of the park. He has played the full 90 minutes in nine of his 12 appearances this term and registered his second assist against Babina Noko last time out.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Lucas Ribeiro: The 25-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder has enjoyed a fine start to his Sundowns career, scoring on his debut against Sekhukhune on August 4 before bagging another four goals in his next five outings. Ribeiro has slotted seamlessly into the set-up at Chloorkop and will be one of the biggest threats for SuperSport in midweek.