As the bitter taste of loss lingers in the Mamelodi Sundowns camp after being dumped out of the MTN8, the format of the competition’s semi-finals has come under question.
Sundowns were eliminated from the MTN8 after a hard fought two-legged contest against rivals Orlando Pirates. The first leg at Orlando ended 1-all, with the same scoreline in the return fixture meaning the game would be decided by the lottery of penalties at Lucas Moripe last Saturday.
READ | Ref's verdict: Mabasa alleged to have handled, but...
The Buccaneers held their nerve better and emerged 4-1 victors as Sipho Chaine saved two spot-kicks.
"What happened to us over the weekend is difficult to swallow. I'm not happy with the way we are playing," says former Sundowns star Papi Mbele.
"We are not the Sundowns we were before and during the Club World Cup. Holding our own against big teams like Borussia Dortmund showed how good we are.
"We have not been convincing. The format of having a first leg and a second leg doesn't work in South Africa. It unfairly gives the other team a second chance.
"The PSL should reconsider this format. Wafa Wafa should be Wafa Wafa, let's not give other teams the advantage of going back to the drawing board.
"I'm a former player of Mamelodi Sundowns. The club is still a part of me. I believe we should start matches with seasoned players like Aubrey Modiba. In midfield, we should include (Teboho) Mokoena or (Bathusi) Aubaas.
READ | Resilient Pirates end Sundowns' MTN8 journey
"Sundowns is a great team, so if you are coaching Sundowns, you need to play experienced players to minimize complaints from supporters when we lose," added the left-footer.
The cup exit has turned the Betway Premiership encounter against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Wednesday (19:30) into a must-win for under-fire Miguel Cardoso and his charges.
Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images