Augusto Palacios says Mamelodi Sundowns reaching the CAF Champions League final should be viewed as an achievement rather than failure.
Sundowns lost 3-1 aggregate in the two-legged final against Egyptian outfit Pyramids FC, who secured their first continental title.
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Palacios, who previously coached Sundowns, says this is a good year for South African football, so it should be celebrated.
"What we've done in terms of putting South African football up there, well done, today we the best league," Palacios tells KickOff.
"Take into account Stellenbosch's good run in the Confederations Cup, Orlando Pirates reached the semi-final of the Champions League, and Sundowns were in the final, it's a very good achievement.
"On top of that you can add having qualified for the under 17 FIFA World Cup and the under 20 FIFA World Cup, Bafana Bafana have qualified for AFCON, what more do we want?
"It's a good achievement for the PSL and SAFA. Countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Congo their names are nowhere to be seen.
"Last night during the final the South African flag was the one raised up at that Stadium, alongside the Egyptian flag. The 2024/2025 Season was very good.
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"Also the way our clubs showed confidence in our young players this season they deserve credit.
"So nothing wrong with Sundowns' game last night, we need to respect the coach's decisions. If he wins nobody complains. When a team lose that's when you see comments and criticism.
"With Sundowns going to two Cup finals, and for Pirates to finish in the Champions League semi final for the first time it's an achievement. Well done to the country."
