Orlando Pirates legend Bruce Ramokadi says last weekend's result has proven how big the gap between his former club and the league's defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns is.
Before Saturday's 4-1 humiliation at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, most people were expecting the Sea Robbers to humble the most feared team in South Africa.
Footballer Of The Season favourite Lucas Ribeiro netted two goals and was voted man of the match.
"Kubhedile e Loftus, the difference between Sundowns and Pirates is discipline on the field," Ramokadi said, speaking to KickOff.
READ | Riveiro's Nedbank Cup clean bill
"I'm talking about the understanding of who should do what on the field. At Sundowns everyone understands Ribeiro's strength and weakness.
"Aubrey Modiba, Sundowns players they know he is not good at defending but good at going forward.
"But Pirates players don't understand each other. Hence, they panic against the likes of Sundowns and the other big teams.
"Even in the Champions League, they don't seem the relaxed Pirates, they look nervous. It's just that most of the teams from Africa don't understand them, whereas Sundowns understands them, and they capitalized on that," he added.
READ | Appollis get stamp at Polokwane after transfer 'stillbirth'
"There is still a huge gap between Pirates and Sundowns looking at teammates understanding of each other on the field, as well as knowing your opponent.
"Looking at both team's starting line-ups, I wasn't expecting any result in favour of Pirates. The pairing of Xoki and Sibisi is a disaster. There is no understanding between the two."