Midfielder Teboho Mokoena insists he views Mamelodi Sundowns' CAF Champions League exit as not a failure but as progress that will make the club stronger next season.
Sundowns crashed out of the continental competition at the semi-final stage at the hands of defending champions Wydad Casablanca.
READ | Sundowns miss out on Champions League final
The Brazilians suffered heartbreak when defender Mothobi Mvala turned the ball into his own net in the latter stages of the match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
"Obviously, we wanted to be in the final because of the work we put in and effort in everything we did during the entire season," a dejected Mokoena said on the Sports Night with Andile show.
"I think we deserved to be there, but you know we’re disappointed."
The Bafana Bafana midfielder attributed various factors to their disappointing end to the season such as the restructuring of the technical team.
"I wouldn't say it’s a failure, I’ll say it’s a stepping stone in the right direction, you understand," Mokoena added.
"So, I think going into the next season we’re going to come back stronger, hungrier, obviously.
"Because we know what to expect because it was a new group that played in the Champions League this season.
"If you can check almost the whole team was a new group and coach Rulani started coaching during the season.
"He didn't start at the beginning of the season, there’s a lot of things that happened this season.
"But I wouldn’t say we underachieved because we want to win everything.
"But in terms of progress and process of the team, I think we’re on the right track."
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