CHIPPA United caretaker coach Roger Sikhakhane is cocky - and for all the right reasons.

His side face Mamelodi Sundowns in Port Elizabeth tonight at the same venue where Sikhakhane successfully plotted the downfall of Orlando Pirates last month.

Sikhakhane has managed to guide Chippa to an impressive sixth place on the Absa Premier League standings since he took over from Kosta Papic.

"Things are on a equal footing when it's 11 versus 11 on the pitch, that is why I believe we can match the quality Sundowns have," Sikhakhane said yesterday.

"I know it will be a different ball game facing the defending champions but the players are starting to adapt to my methods and can only improve."

Chippa stunned the Buccaneers with a 1-0 victory three weeks ago, but Sikhakhane hasn't yet lost the "caretaker" tag in front of his name.

"I have been at this club for four years and I don't feel like I am auditioning for the job every time I lead the team out onto the pitch.

"As far as I am concerned, I am employed by Chippa United. Fortunately, the players are also learning very fast in terms of what I want and I appreciate this," Sikhakhane explained.

Sundowns are unbeaten in their previous five matches but are still a shadow of the team that clinched the championship last season after a 10-game winning streak.

Downs coach Pitso Mosimane has been stressing about his injury-stricken squad, however, midfield maestro Teko Modise said their desperation to close the gap on log leaders Kaizer Chiefs was enough motivation for the Brazilians.

"We know what is expected of us. This is a must-win if we want to keep up the pressure at the top," said Modise.

"Every team that plays against Sundowns seems to be highly motivated and we are aware of that. Our experience should win us the match because we have dealt with teams that want to play defensively and hoping to catch us on the counter."