Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to put last week’s CAF Champions League disappointment behind them when they take on Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout tournament on Tuesday.

The Brazilians are determined to return to winning ways following their painful exit from Africa’s premier club competition, with midfielder Tashreeq Matthews insisting that the team must move forward despite the disappointment.

Matthews acknowledged that the defeat was difficult to accept but stressed that Sundowns still have several trophies to compete for this season.

“After the game, you have to reflect, but it’s also important that you take the step forward and continue. It’s very difficult to get over what happened, but at the end of the day, you have to continue,” said Matthews.

“There are more things that need to be won. Yes, that is the biggest thing in Africa to win, but we still have a lot of trophies to look forward to and to win.”

Sundowns will now turn their attention to the Carling Knockout, where they face a Marumo Gallants side that eliminated them from the competition last season.

Matthews believes Tuesday’s encounter presents an opportunity for the Brazilians to regain their confidence and build momentum.

“The next one is the most important one that we have, and we have to overcome it, get back to winning ways and get over this feeling. Win again and just continue to win from there,” he added.

While Sundowns will be eager to avoid another cup disappointment against Gallants, Matthews dismissed suggestions that the encounter would be motivated by revenge.

“I don’t think it’s revenge. Whichever team we play against, we have to win. We play to win, and that’s important. Fortunately, we’re getting Marumo Gallants again, and we want to win the game. That’s what we’re going there to do.”

The Carling Knockout clash offers Sundowns an immediate opportunity to respond to their continental setback as they look to keep their domestic silverware ambitions alive.

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