Premier Soccer League defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns have lost their last three domestic Cup finals.
In the 2023/24 campaign, Masandawana were defeated by Orlando Pirates in both the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup finals respectively.
Just last weekend, the quality Sundowns outfit were shocked by the Premier Soccer League's newbies Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout hurdle. Despite scoring first, the underdogs fought bravely in the second one to upset the favourites.
The Brazilians coach Manqoba Mngqithi has since explained why things have not gone as anticipated when it matters most.
Sundowns let it go when it mattered most
“I think we've gone into that spell where things are just not going our way in cup matches and you really would not put a finger on it,” the former Golden Arrows coach told the media.
“I remember even in the game against Pirates, I think we were on 70-30 in terms of possession and we had a lot of shots at goals. We did everything right, but unfortunately in the latter stages of the game, they created a goal out of nothing and we lost the final.
“In the MTN8, I think we did very well there. I would not blame anything on the team. In football, you must know that sometimes you will win and sometimes you will lose. It's very unfortunate that in a competition where you have scored 12 goals in four matches, and only conceded two, you lose that competition,” Mngqithi continued.
“That is the most sore point. When I won the MTN8 with Golden Arrows, I think we scored 11 goals and conceded one. This time we scored 12 and conceded two and we are out without the cup. For me, that was a good return, but unfortunately, where it mattered most, that's where we let it go.”
On Tuesday, Sundowns will be hosting Maniema Union in the Caf Champions League group stage assignment.
