The mood within the Mamelodi Sundowns camp is one of pain and reflection following their heartbreaking CAF Champions League final defeat to Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
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Captain Ronwen Williams, speaking candidly to Sundowns TV, painted a raw picture of the emotions felt within the team after falling short of continental glory in a season where expectations were sky-high.
"At the moment, feelings are not good," Williams admitted.
"The emotions, the disappointment, the sadness is still there, you can see it amongst the group."
"It's been a long season with constant travelling and very little rest," he said. "So I think the few days off the coach has given us will help ease the tension. It gives us time to be with our loved ones, to get our happiness back."
Despite the sting of defeat, Williams remained philosophical, showing maturity and leadership in acknowledging the strength of their opponents while also keeping perspective on the journey.
"We’ve fought, we’ve sacrificed, we’ve cried – we played for this trophy. We know how important the Champions League is to the club, to the fans. It honestly feels like we’ve let so many people down," he said.
"But that’s football. You keep going, you keep believing. Sometimes it’s just not your time. Credit must go to Pyramids. They did their job well. They stopped us from playing our game, and they deserve their moment."
Sundowns will now turn their attention to regrouping for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, and Williams is confident that the spirit within the team will be restored.
"Once we come back on Sunday before heading to the USA, I know the excitement will return. This next challenge is a big one. For us to be part of the Club World Cup is a massive achievement, and we will treat it like that."
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