Sundowns not worried about Chiefs, we can still catch them: Teko Modise

Teko Modise was at the heart of Mamelodi Sundowns' league title assault last season when he rediscovered the deft touch with the ball that made him a fan favourite at Orlando Pirates and Supersport United.

He initially seemed to be past his best when he joined billionaire owner Patrice Motsepe's club but found a second wind that transformed Sundowns from also-rans to giant-killers, overhauling a Kaizer Chiefs team that seemed to be running away with the league title.

But this is a Chiefs team with a chip on its shoulder and a run of 17 games without defeat.

They are only 22 points away from Sundowns' record 16-team league points haul of 65, which was set last season.

That said, Orlando Pirates also boasted 17 matches without defeat in the 2004-2005 season, but, when defeat came, it started a downward spiral that saw them lose their grip on the final day of the league title race.

Modise said Chiefs must enjoy their view from the top while they still could.

"We are not worried with them being unbeaten and we are not worried with them not losing, it is about ourselves," he said.

"We have been drawing so many games, which has resulted in points dropped.

"We are trying to pick up the points in the games that we can and I hope by the end of the season those points will count. There are (still) so many points to play for.

"Last season we were not stylish and we depended heavily on grinding out results, and I am happy we are reverting to what worked for us last season.

"There were eight games on the bounce that we won 1-0 and if we can get that mentality back, it will be good for us.

"We can see with each and every game we draw that we are missing golden opportunities."

With CAF continental engagements looming for Chiefs and Sundowns in the new year, the importance of having breathing space has become pressing.

The preliminary stages are often a breeze until the third round - when the big guns usually appear ahead of the quarterfinal group stages.

The advantage of a big lead in points then becomes apparent.

The continental mini-league only takes place around August and September.

Modise said Sundowns would worry about that bridge when they got to it, but he hoped the team's squad depth would get them through the tournament.