Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has explained why they did not park the bus after going ahead twice against Wydad Casablanca, with a spot in the CAF Champions League final at stake.
Sundowns were 11 minutes away from sealing a spot in the final of the continental showpiece after Peter Shalulile gave them the lead for the second time in the semi-final second leg after Themba Zwane's opener was cancelled out.
However, an own goal by Mothobi Mvala seven minutes before time saw the Brazilians concede for the second time and eventually they bowed out of the tournament on away goals' rule after a 2-2 draw on aggregate.
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There have been suggestions that perhaps Sundowns, especially in the closing stages, where they led the game twice, should have changed their approach and defended more in numbers or park the bus, so to speak, just to squeeze through to the final.
Mokwena says judging from experience, its debatable that they would have succeeded if they killed the game with defensive tactics.
"When we don't win, we open the door for a lot of the talk. The topic of a style of play is interesting. Even greater and more successful coaches have had to answer that question," Mokwena said in a press conference.
"But I think we've done it a pragmatic way a couple of times and it also has not worked, we've done it a percentage football way and it also has not worked. So let's give this a bit of time.
"Before you cast judgement, I said a few months ago, I said it's not an obsession, it's a dream and this was the reason why I said that," he said.
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The 36-year old coach continued and said he does not want to compromise the club's playing style in any way and he's confident that they will eventually win the CAF Champions League playing the style that is synonymous with the club.
"How I see football, the game, fortunately it's how this club feels and sees the game and we will continue with this dream and we will win the (CAF) Champions League and we will win it playing the way the club, it's supporters, it's culture (represents)," he added.
