AmaZulu FC coach Benni McCarthy remains eager to finish off this 2020/21 campaign as runners-up after Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a fourth consecutive league crown.
That leaves AmaZulu with only one target left in chasing down.
A second-place finish will see AmaZulu join Masandawana in next season's Champions League.
Speaking to media ahead of the much-anticipated fixture, McCarthy, who has been nominated for the DStv Premiership Coach of the Season, admitted that their next three remaining fixtures were "Cup finals" as they target the final CAF Champions League place for South African teams.
"I hope the boys will be fresh and hungry because the next three games is like three Cup finals for us. It's the first time the club has been in this situation," McCarthy said.
"It's been a long 16 days since we last played Baroka. At least it gave us an opportunity to work on some tactics.
"I would have enjoyed it more if it gave us the opportunity to play a couple of friendly games because our opponents have played two really tough competitive games.
"But I am happy with the attitude and mentality of the boys, preparation has been good and now we just have to show it in a real match come Thursday."
McCarthy added the side are hoping to maintain their second-place finish on the PSL log.
"We have to do it for ourselves. It wasn't by chance that we played the football that we have played and won the matches that we have won," he said.
"We worked exceptionally hard and made immense sacrifices, so hopefully come Thursday the boys have the same hunger, the same desire to want to win.
"Hopefully, it will be a game that will secure our stronghold on that second-place finish."
Thursday's match kicks off is at 17:00.