Sometimes you will win, sometimes you lose' - Under pressure Mamelodi Sundowns coach Mngqithi reflects on shocking Carling Knockout final defeat to Magesi FC

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi was left disappointed after his side's unexpected 2-1 loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final on Saturday. Despite scoring 12 goals and conceding only two throughout the competition, Sundowns couldn’t secure the win.

Mngqithi reflected on this painful situation, recalling a similar experience when he won the MTN8 with Golden Arrows, where his team also scored plenty but still triumphed in the end.

“In football, you must know that sometimes you will win, sometimes you lose,” Mngqithi said, reflecting after the final as reported by iDiski Times.

“It is very unfortunate that in a competition where you have scored 12 goals in four matches and only conceded two, you lose that competition.

“Because that is the most sore point where, when I won the MTN8 with Golden Arrows, I think we scored 11 goals and conceded one.

“This time around, we have scored 12, conceded two, but we are out without the cup. And for me, that was a very good return.

“But unfortunately, when it mattered most, that’s when we let it go.”

Mngqithi's loss in the Carling Knockout final adds to his disappointments this season, especially after Sundowns missed out on two trophies.

The pressure is mounting on the coach, but the upcoming league and Caf Champions League matches provide an opportunity for redemption.

While the team has been strong domestically, the continental competition could serve as a fresh challenge to restore confidence.

With the backing of the club, Mngqithi must now focus on bouncing back to secure silverware.

Sundowns remain favourites to perform well on both fronts.

Next, Sundowns face Maniema Union in their Champions League group-stage opener on November 26, and Mngqithi’s focus shifts entirely to the continental competition.

The loss in the domestic cup is behind them now, and the attention is on securing success on the African stage.

Sundowns must capitalise on their strengths and experience to get off to a strong start in the group stages.

Mngqithi will be eager to guide the team back to winning ways and prove that the knockout loss was merely a setback.