Rulani Mokwena already analysing Kaizer Chiefs in big week for Mamelodi Sundowns

It signals a big week for the DStv Premiership champions, who must then host Amakhosi in the second leg of the MTN8 three days later at the Lucas Moripe Stadium to get closer to their first trophy of the season.

Mokwena acknowledges the impact of facing two Soweto giants.

"We approach every single game, one game at a time. I shouldn't be saying this because then I'm not really being 100% honest because I said to the players already that I've started watching Chiefs. I said to them this morning and I confessed to them," Mokwena said.

Often accused of “overcoaching” the side, Mokwena is having an internal battle trying to split tasks – but at the end of the day, Pirates come first.

"Six, seven games now is done. Now it's to move a little bit to that but I can't shift my focus from that. I've gotta go 100% with the players into the next one. So, the next one is the most important one. It needs all our energies, all our focus and everything that we have is galvanized towards Wednesday's game," Mokwena added.

The Pirates game gives Sundowns a chance to stretch their lead at the top even further, while beating Chiefs – while holding an advantage with the away goal rule – guarantees a place in the final.

Mokwena describes this week as a “true test”.

"This week is a very, very good test for us. Where we anticipate that as we get on with this season we will get into a space where we have to play semifinals, quarterfinals, finals, league title deciders in the same week and matches that are of consequence in the business end of the season."