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Cape Town - Tiyani Mabunda says Mamelodi Sundowns are expecting a tough encounter against Golden Arrows in Wednesday's Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, kick-off at 7.30pm.
Sundowns are coming into this game following their emphatic 2-1 victory over rivals Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, while Abafana Bes'thende stole a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Highlands Park on Sunday.
"We have put behind us Saturday's victory over Chiefs and switched focus to our next encounter against Arrows.
Arrows have shown that they really mean business in this season, and their position on the log is evident," Mabunda told Vodacom Soccer.
"Having clinched an away win on Sunday against Highlands, there is no doubt they come to this encounter in high spirits. So, we can never take a risk of taking them lightly because they are an equally competitive side, and we really expect a tough battle against them."
The 28-year-old in-form defensive midfielder has also emphasised the importance of fighting for vital points in their remaining league matches ahead of their participation in the much coveted FIFA Club World Cup next month.
"It will be important for us to ensure that we accumulate vital points before departing for the Club World Cup.
"And as the defending champions it will also be vital for us to end the year in a respectable position, because league contention will be getting tougher after the AFCON break in February," he added.
The Premier Soccer League has postponed three Premiership fixtures involving Downs, scheduled between 5 and 21 December.
The change was necessitated as a result of their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan next month.
Their last fixture before departing for the competition will be on 3 December against Free State Stars, while their next fixture, before the December break will be against Baroka FC on December 22.
