Bidvest Wits legend Peter Gordon says participating in the CAF Confederation Cup ruined the club's chances of winning the Absa Premiership title this season.
Seventh-placed Wits still have 11 games remaining in the league compared to log leaders Kaizer Chiefs, who have 48 points and are left with nine matches.
The Clever Boys are currently on 34 points and winning all their games will see them finishing on 67.
"Ja definitely I think it did. If you are still behind with so many games it's never easy to catch up," Gordon tells snl24.com/kickoff.
NEWS: PSL sanctions Wits duo to 8-match ban
"All the future games puts a lot of stress on the players and that's why I think they did overplay a bit. It definitely did affect the players.
"I think it can only benefit players going into other conditions to see what it's like, but I definitely think it does cost you problems with your league because I think the players' workload is just too much."
Gordon says the only thing Wits must fight for now is to finish in the top three.
"Nah, I think they've got to play for the top three. I think they are too far behind now and they are starting to drop points, so it's not going to get easier.
NEWS: Pirates send Rhulani on loan to Chippa
"You will be playing top teams that are on the top, and you are going to play teams that are fighting for relegation. It's a dogfight, I just don't see them getting there.
"It's not easy when you are out there in Africa. I've been to places and I know it's not the easiest places to go to. So ja definitely, I think it [CAF competition] does play a role. I don't even think it's worth their while financially.
"You look at Sundowns, they've got a big squad and it still affected them. I don't know, maybe it's just not worth it. The only thing that could help is a bigger squad.
"But a club like Wits, I don't think they have that financial power to have a bigger squad because they are one of the smaller teams in the league."
ICYMI: PSL breaks silence on 'screwed' Baron