Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has issued an apology to the yellow nation following the club’s exit from MTN8.
Masandawana were eliminated by Stellenbosch FC with a 2-0 aggregate scoreline.
The Brazilians lost the first leg 1-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium before they were downed with the same scoreline in the return tie at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
Sundowns faithful filled the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue with hopes that Bafana Ba Style would stage a comeback. Unfortunately, their hopes were dashed when another goal was conceded, sealing the victory for Stellenbosch.
Mngqithi acknowledged the historical challenges Sundowns have faced in the MTN8, having previously been eliminated by less prominent teams.
Nevertheless, he conveyed his apologies to the fans for not meeting their expectations on a day when they were optimistic about a significant turnaround.
MNGQITHI APOLOGISES TO SUNDOWNS FAITHFUL
“It’s very unfortunate and honestly one feels bad that we lost again in this match which our supporters gave us so much support,” said Mngqithi in the press conference.
“They came in numbers with a confidence that we would come back stronger and give them something.
“But unfortunately this cup for whatever reason, I can give you all the years I’ve been here. We’ve always lost this match, never against a very big team in the early stages.
“We’ve lost against Platinum Stars, we’ve lost against Bloemfontein Celtics.
“We’ve lost these matches but to be honest Stellenbosch has moved away from being regarded a small team. They are a team that really has given a good account of themselves and we must have respect.
“But one is feeling sorry and should apologise to the supporters for having let them down when they came in numbers to support us because they were confident we would come back. And I must be honest I was also confident to come back.”
