Daine Klate to take hard lessons from Mamelodi Sundowns drubbing

The Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit faced a side that costs three times their value in transfer fees and wages, and the result reflected this - following their elimination in the round of 32.

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Klate vowed not to be too harsh on his players, but rather focus on self-reflection.

''I set high standards for myself. I get back and criticise myself, what went wrong, what decisions were needed to enhance the team?''

''How much more could I have prepared the team for certain scenarios, you know how they [Mamelodi Sundowns] build up play and get out of that build up and how they play under pressure,'' said Klate.

The former Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United winger added that it was clear to see why Sundowns have raised the bar in the Premier Soccer League.

''You can see they play at the higher level, I mean they make up 70% of the Bafana Bafana squad - nothing less was expected of them.''

''I can't be too hard on the players, but I can be really hard on myself and watch the game and take the lessons,'' added Klate.

Klate also felt his players were slightly naïve, which perhaps comes with inexperience when playing against a team as clinical as Sundowns.

  ''I thought we were a little over eager, we were pressing them up high when we didn't have to. But I'm proud of the boys, can't fault them much - we take the lessons,'' he concluded.

La Masia now gear up to face Maritzburg United in a crucial fixture next month as they continue to fight for promotion to the topflight.

Klate believes there’s no bigger lesson than what his side picked up against The Brazilians.