Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika says matches like the one against Richards Bay are the ones to win if a team wants to stay on top.
Chiefs are currently second on the Betway Premiership log tied on seven points with Orlando Pirates in top spot and Mamelodi Sundowns in third place from three outings.
They meet Richards Bay for the first time in the league this season at Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday with Amakhosi looking to maintain their unbeaten run in the league so far while Bay are looking for their first victory of the season.
Last season the Natal Rich boys were victorious in front of their home fans against the glamour boys while Chiefs won the corresponding fixture.
Kwinika, 32, admits that the Kwa Zulu Natal outfit has been problematic to them in the past and there has been a shift in mentality when facing such sides.
“Obviously, Richards Bay is one of those teams that when you play against, it’s a difficult team to play against to be honest,” Kwinika told Chiefs media department.
“But yes, we give them the respect, but we also have our plan. We have our objectives, so we know what to expect from them, and trust me we prepared very well for them. We prepared very well.
“I think this season we are in a different mission of saying the games that we need to collect points are such games. I think that’s the importance for us to stay on top.
“And what we must do is win these games, not mainly focus on the big games, but on these games, that when one is not in a good frame of mind, taking it lightly.
“But now the attitude has changed. This is a big game. I think it’s more bigger than the one that we played last weekend because these are very important points for us.
“So the attitude shifts and we grind even more, so we’ll give them the respect they deserve, but work as hard as we can.”