Watching the FIFA Club World, Orlando Pirates would feel they missed a big opportunity to qualify for the tournament, according to suggestions by former defender Benson Mhlongo.
Sundowns are currently representing South Africa at the Club World Cup but they qualified narrowly, through the ranking path, as Al Ahly had won the title on three ocassions in the last four-year cycle under consideration by FIFA, which opened up an extra spot through rankings.
Both Masandawana and Pirates looked to have missed a big opportunity to book their spot in the next edition of the Club World Cup (as winners of the CAF Champions League automatically qualifies), after they were upset by underdogs Pyramids.
The Buccaneers even more so after they were able to score two away goals in the semi-final second leg but were still edged by the Egyptian side.
READ: Bucs Abroad: Pirates’ Top 5 European Exports
According to Mhlongo, who played for both sides, the Ghosts made mistakes in playing personnel.
"Pyramids were there for the taking but the same team won the cup, it shows yes they didn't look good in the games but they capitalized on the moments," Mhlongo told Soccer Laduma.
"Pirates were exposed at the back with (Mbezekile) Mbokazi and (Nkosinathi) Sibisi, they still have a long way to go as centre-backs. We needed more senior guys to play.
"The same mistake that Sundowns made. In the final there's nerves, players are not free to make mistakes and that's when you make mistakes," Mhlongo said.
READ: Behind The Scenes: Pirates Pressing Ahead With Or Without A Coach
"Such games you need players with experience, how to handle the pressure. So I think they gave the likes of Mbokazi too much credit and forgot that they are still young.
"For me they didn't do bad, the young boy has to learn. It's all part of the game, some choices you win, some choices you don't. But it's understandable, the two centre-backs had no much experience in the international tournaments," the former Bafana Bafana midfielder added.
