WATCH: Manqoba Mngqithi drops Khuliso Mudau and key Mamelodi Sundowns players after criticising them for Carling Knockout humiliation

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi excluded defender Khuliso Mudau from the starting line-up to face AS Maniema in their Caf Champions League Group B opener at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday.

Mudau was dropped from the bench while other stars who started in the Carling Knockout final against Magesi FC last weekend were also overlooked.

Mothobi Mvala, Bathusi Aubaas and Peter Shalulile are some of the other players benched by Mngqithi.

Mudau was introduced in the 72nd minute as Sundowns started their Group B campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw against the DR Congolese side.

The decision on Mudau comes a few days after Mngqithi criticised the Bafana Bafana defender for being responsible for the goals scored by Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final.

Mngqithi said he felt let down by the former Black Leopards star as well as other top players after Masandawana lost the final 2-1.

It is not the first time the Sundowns coach has dropped Mudau this season. He did that following the Tshwane Giants' exit from the MTN8.

It remains to be seen whether Mngqithi will recall Mudau to the starting line-up when Sundowns take on Sekhukhune United this weekend.

Masandawana will be keen to bounce back to winning ways after losing to Magesi and drawing with Maniema.