Sundowns currently sit second on the Betway Premiership table after 12 games, three points behind Pirates, but Modiba believes the champions still possess the tools and mentality to make a decisive impact in the remainder of the season.

Wednesday’s clash against Siwelele at Dr Molemela Stadium marks Sundowns’ final game of the year before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) break.

Modiba, a Bafana Bafana international who will soon head to Morocco, stressed the importance of ending the year on a high note.

Sundowns aim to carry momentum into the new year, aware that every point counts in their pursuit of back-to-back Premiership titles.

Modiba’s calm yet determined message reflects a club confident in its abilities but fully aware that the battle for the top spot is far from decided.

“We’re obviously expecting a very tough game, things are tough in the PSL now because teams are doing well but I think we’re ready for the task and we won’t dwell on their last game because it’s a different game,” he said.

“Teams always get motivated when they play against us which is good for the league but we’ll be prepared for the game and we’ll try to get those three points.

“It’s important to focus on ourselves as a team, we know we are second on the log right now but there’s still a long way to go.

“This is, obviously, the last game of the year so it’s important for us to win that game and get back to where we belong but we can only do that if we don’t focus on other teams and just win our games so we can defend our title.”