It’s a difficult phase - Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Oct 30, 2017. 11:00

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says his side are going through a “difficult phase” which culminated in their Telkom Knockout exit on Sunday.

The Brazilians lost a third successive match across all competitions when they were beaten 1-0 by hosts Chippa United in a last 16 clash yesterday.

It was Sundowns’ first ever defeat to the Chilli Boys and came on the back of successive league losses at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu earlier this month.

"They were playing the pressing game. We didn't look like scoring to be honest. You can't say we didn't play well. You can't say Chippa didn't allow us to play. We controlled the game, controlling the game doesn't mean winning the game to be honest," he told SuperSport cameras after the match.

"They scored from the break, so if people are scoring from the break I don't think they're pressing us.

"We keep going. We don't give up, it's a good team. You must not forget where we're coming from. It's our time, we have to pay the price. We have to try more harder.

“But to press panic buttons and say the team doesn't play well I don't, maybe I like my team so much. I've been with this team for the past five years I know where it comes from and where it is now.

"We're going through the phase, it's a difficult phase. I have to raise my hand and lead the team and I'm not gonna hide. You know me, I don't quit. It happens, I'm not the first one to go through this."

Things won’t get any easier for ‘Downs this week, as they play away to Orlando Pirates in a heavyweight league clash on Wednesday.