The newly-crowned CAF Champions League champions were completely outplayed in the MTN8 final just a fortnight prior to their pivotal 3-0 drubbing of Zamalek at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Downs ONLY: All the news and reaction to CAF triumph
Sundowns were completely torn apart in the top-eight final, played in wet and cold conditions in Nelspruit earlier this month, but managed to put out a resilient display in their first leg fixture of the continental club final two weeks later.
Mosimane, however, has since recalled that fateful evening as a decisive moment in their success in claiming the club's maiden Champions League title.
"I want to thank Wits and Gavin [Hunt] for giving us a wake-up call in the MTN8," 'Jingles', who is now the most successful South African-born coach to grace these shores, told reporters in Egypt.
"It gave us a little bit of humility and we knew how to defend to win this [CAF Champions League] trophy."
Having just added Africa's premier club competition title to his list of all domestic titles won since becoming a coach thirteen years ago, Mosimane is now at the pinnacle of his career.
“But for me as a coach‚ I can’t ask for more. I think that was the one left‚ and I had to win it,” he added.
Get the latest Sundowns news sent to your phone. SMSs cost R1.50.
Pitso exclusively reveals what it took for Mamelodi Sundowns to go all the way in lifting the CAF Champions League trophy in the lastest edition of KICK OFF Magazine (Issue 475) - ON SALE NOW! Or download a digital copy here!