Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena says he appreciates the players for their "gallant fight against all odds" after their Carling Knockout exit.
The Brazilians were knocked out in the round of 16 by Galaxy, who won 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in extra-time.
Mokwena congratulated the Rockets and praised his players for showing fighting spirit and representing the club after also playing with ten men from just before the hour-mark following the red-card of Bongani Zungu.
READ| Downs crash out of Carling Knockout on penalties
"Let me be gracious and firstly congratulate TS Galaxy on progressing to the next round and let me also take the opportunity to appreciate the Mamelodi Sundowns players for a gallant fight against all odds," Mokwena told SuperSport TV.
"We made three big errors and they cost us but we still fought and showed very good character and I said to them just before the penalties that if they thought I loved them a 100 percent, then they must know that I love them 200 percent.
"Well, that's how it is, isn't it? And ja congratulations to TS Galaxy and proud of the players for representing the club and fighting very hard," he said.
The 36-year old coach went on and says it doesn't matter that they dominated the game playing with ten men when they are knocked out of the tournament and questioned the decision for their fixture to play a day after the FIFA break, after they could not field seven players who were away with Bafana Bafana to Ivory Coast.
"But it counts for nothing doesn't it? Who cares that you are 2-0 down and you ten men? Who cares that you play the day after…and you tell me of any club in the world, any club, I'm waiting, that plays a day after the FIFA break?" he questioned.
"Who cares that you have the Footballer of the Season not here? Who cares that you have the Goalkeeper of the Year not here? Who cares that you don't have the Defender of the Year? Who cares?
"Everyone will say these are excuses and people will celebrate our downfall but that's okay because as human beings we plan but God decides and if God decides that we shouldn't win, then I guess as one of his kids I will just have to trust in his wisdom," he added.
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