Downs winger urges teammates to refocus after Champions League exit

MAMELODI Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews urges his teammates to put their CAF Champions League disappointment behind them and refocus on winning trophies.

Sundowns suffered a shock exit from the continental competition at the hands of Angolan side Wiliete SC. Wiliete progressed on the away-goals rule after a 1-1 aggregate draw, a result CAF described as one of the competition’s biggest upsets.

The defeat, which ended Sundowns’ title defence before the group stage, has increased scrutiny of the club’s ambitions and the future of head coach Miguel Cardoso.

Matthews calls for Sundowns to move forward

Despite the pain of falling short in Africa’s premier club competition, Matthews believes the team must reflect on what went wrong before turning their attention to the challenges ahead. He scored Sundowns’ only goal in the second leg.

After the game, we have to reflect, but it is also important to take a step forward and continue,” Matthews said.

“It’s very difficult to get over what happened, but at the end of the day, you have to move forward because there are more things to win.

“Winning the CAF Champions League is the biggest thing in Africa, but we still have a lot of trophies to look forward to and win.”

Matthews stressed that the team cannot afford to dwell on the disappointment and must focus their energy on the challenges ahead.

Sundowns aim to return to winning ways

“I think the next one is the most important one we have,” he added.

“We have to overcome this, get back to winning ways and get over this feeling.

“Winning again and continuing to win from there will not take away what happened, but I think it will make things feel a bit better than they are now.”

For Sundowns, the way forward is about more than results. It’s a chance to respond to a painful continental exit, rebuild confidence, and show that they can remain a strong team.

With trophies still within reach and the bitter memory of Wiliete still fresh, Matthews and his teammates will be determined to take that first step forward and begin the process of moving on.