“We've got to reflect as a team” - Williams Reflects on Sundowns CAF Super Cup Defeat
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Masandawana Put to the Sword At Loftus in CAF Super Cup
Just a couple of weeks after shockingly failing to qualify for the CAF Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns were handed another heartbreak, losing the CAF Super Cup 3-1 to USM Alger at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday afternoon.
The Algerian Ligue 1 side took the lead inside he first five minutes through Zakaria Draoui. Masandawa levelled proceedings via an Iqraam Rayners penalty in the 25th minute, but goals from Saadi Radouani and Ahmed Khaldi either side of the interval secured the victory for the visitors.
Speaking after the match, Downs’ captain Ronwen Williams gave an honest assessment of his side’s performance and the outlook for the club in light of their continental competition disappointments this season. He said:
“Obviously, it's tough. This one will hurt for a very long time. We've got to reflect as a team as to where we are and what we once were. We need to get back to that. As tough as it is, we need to pick ourselves up. It's going to be a long season. We just need to be better as a team, (and) draw strength from one another and keep growing."
“A lot of good moments and a lot of tough moments, a lot of moments that hurt so much. This is one of them, but we will keep going. You can't win them all, but it's disappointing to lose at home. We have to regroup and keep going.”
Williams' sentiments were largely shared by Thapelo Morena, but the defender also made clear that there is no lack of desire from his side after reaching the pinnacle of African football by winning the CAF Champions League last season.
Sundowns will shift their focus back to domestic competitions, with silverware now feeling essential this season. They have already won the MTN8, are through to the semi-final in the Carling Knockout Cup, and lead the PSL by one point, though they have played a game more than second-placed Orlando Pirates.
Mosimane Names Strong Squad for Bafana Bafana AFCON Qualifiers
While the likes of Williams and Morena were evidently disappointed after the Super Cup defeat, they will not have too long to dwell on the result, with both being included in the Bafana Bafana squad for their AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Kenya.
South Africa will face the Harambee Stars at Orlando Stadium on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Nyayo National Stadium for the second match four days later, and Pitso Mosimane has announced a strong squad for the back-to-back encounters.
The return of Mbekezeli Mbokazi and the absence of Themba Zwane were the key talking points of Mosimane’s selection. Mbokazi was one of the standout performers at the World Cup but was forced to sit out last month’s qualifiers through injury.
