Even if Mamelodi Sundowns win the league and cup double this season, and finish their DStv Premiership campaign unbeaten, coach Rulani Mokwena says he will feel unfulfilled after missing out on the African Champions League final.
Sundowns, who were continental champions in 2016, failed again this season to reach the final of the continent’s top club competition despite yet another strong run to the semifinal.
They were edged 2-0 on aggregate by Tunisa’s Esperance in the last four, but have since gone on to secure a seventh successive DStv Premiership title plus a place in next month’s Nedbank Cup final.
After 24 league games, they also remain unbeaten, seeking to become the first side in South African history to finish the league season unbeaten.
But none of this will make up for the Champions League disappointment, Mokwena said.
“No, I'm still reeling. And I'm talking personally, I'm still reeling. Someone tried to console me and said to me, ‘you've got a double already, you've got the AFL (African Football League) and you've got the league title. So why are you still reeling’. But I must say to you, I feel like I've let the club down, I feel like I've let the supporters down. I feel like I've let this this group down, because it is my job to lead,” said Mokwena despite the convincing 2-1 win over Stellenbosch in Sunday’s Nedbank Cup semifinal.
“And when we fail, it's my job to stand in front and assume the responsibility. So I don't think anything will make up for it.”
Sundowns: