Sundowns’ continental hopes were dashed following their 0-0 draw with Guinean side Horoya this week, with the 2016 champions failing to progress beyond the group stage.
They now have to turn their attention to yet another do-or-die clash against Cape Town City, who carry a 1-0 aggregate lead into today’s MTN8 semi-final second leg.
With the disappointment of one cup exit still fresh in their minds, Mosimane insists there is no reason for him to try and lift the morale of his players, who are well aware of the stakes against The Citizens. He concedes that it would have been a different case had there been no immediate prize to play for.
“We bombed out of one cup but we have another opportunity now to continue in another cup. So I think it would have been more difficult had it been that we don’t have anything to play for – like in the league, then we have to really make sure that we pick up the pieces and put them back together,” said Mosimane.
“But this is a semi-final that we will be playing so I don’t think there’s a lot of motivation that we need to work on. At least we have a chance to win another trophy, and we’re only one game away from being in the final.
“So, I think that in itself should be a motivation to the players. As you know, we’re always an ambitious club – we want everything, and unfortunately reality says you can’t have everything. You know what I’m trying to say.
“But it’s important to try and give your best, and what if you can get everything? So it’s the culture in the team to say we have to go for everything. Probably we will pick something up along the way this season.”