After Stellenbosch loss, how deep can Sundowns dig for the CAFCL?

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Mamelodi Sundowns succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Stellembosch FC in a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal match played at Athlone Stadium on Saturday evening.

The loss came on the back of three consecutive draws in the Dstv Premiership, with Sundowns being held by Cape Town City, Swallows FC, and Lamontville Golden Arrows.

If the three draws in a row were a sign of some kind of a decline in standards when it comes to Sundowns performances, the Nedbank Cup was nothing but full confirmation.

Having not lost a game since Rulani Mokwena took over as a coach, and with them not being invincible, a loss was always going to come, it was just a matter of when.

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To be fair to Sundowns players, they have outdone themselves, winning going on a long unbeaten run, and winning the league with seven games to spare.

Added to that is the high pressure of playing Caf Champions League football, which they have handled well so far.

But they are humans too, with all the pressure and expectations, they are bound to crack.

The game of football demands a lot physically, but it is the mental aspect that is vital, looking at Sundowns' latest results, one can tell that their success is starting to take its toll on the players.

Unfortunately, it comes at a time when Sundowns needs their players to be on their top condition when it comes to the mental part of their game.

The Caf Champions League, which is one trophy they are truly after, comes with huge mental demands on players.

The big question is, do Sundowns players still have enough mental fuel in their tanks to go the distance in the CAFCL?

Their latest results in domestic competitions scream a big NO as an answer to the above question.

Sundowns look more like a team that is just going through the motions at the moment, they are doing what they know how to do, but without real hunger.

On the other hand, the loss to Stellenbosch could be just the kind of shock therapy they needed to wake up from their slumber.

Maybe, just maybe, they will remember that the season is not over yet, that the biggest catch they are hunting for, the CAFCL title that is, is still on the loose.

The results from Saturday 22 April in Algeria against CR Belouizdad, will give us all the answers.