IT'S NOT ideal, but missing out on the season-opening Top 8 could prove a blessing in disguise for Mamelodi Sundowns.
Without early-season commitments, Pitso Mosimane insists he will have sufficient time to prepare his team thoroughly to mount a strong league challenge next campaign.
Sundowns' Top 8 dreams were shattered by a 2-all draw with BidVest Wits in their Absa Premiership match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
The result also exposed serious challenges that Mosimane will face in the new season after the Brazilians were let down by a porous defence and a blunt strike-force.
The club is finalising plans for a pre-season camp in west Africa, after relative success following a similar camp in Zimbabwe in January.
"Maybe it (Top 8) was not meant for us," said Mosimane. "That's life. Sometimes in life you have to look at both the positives and negatives.
"We started badly - we could have done better - but the Top 8 is no more and we have to look ahead."
Sundowns were eager to end their poor season on a positive note, not least after they had shown strong signs of a recovery in the past four matches.
But by being held to a draw on Saturday, Sundowns failed a test of character, as their Top 8 fate lay in their hands.
"It's not good enough," Mosimane said. "Honestly, we could have qualified for the Top 8 long ago. We need to do more... strengthen the team, prepare properly and come out strongly next season."
A list of players surplus to requirements has already been drawn up and the team will be making announcements on pending changes in playing personnel in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Clive Barker confirmed he won't be staying on as Wits head coach next season, but will welcome another crack at top-flight coaching.
"If Gavin (Hunt of SuperSport United) comes, I'll support the move. In the first meeting that I had with the hierarchy (I was told) that Gavin was going to be coach," said Barker.
"I'm pleased with the opportunity Wits gave me.
"Chiefs deserve to win the league after they set the tone early on but my team played well. They remind me of Bush Bucks and I think they'll play like that next season if they keep working like they did.
"There are good players in this team who management will have to hold on to for continuity ... the likes of Mashaba (Mzikayise)."
No top 8 not a crisis: Pitso
IT'S NOT ideal, but missing out on the season-opening Top 8 could prove a blessing in disguise for Mamelodi Sundowns.
Without early-season commitments, Pitso Mosimane insists he will have sufficient time to prepare his team thoroughly to mount a strong league challenge next campaign.
Sundowns' Top 8 dreams were shattered by a 2-all draw with BidVest Wits in their Absa Premiership match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
The result also exposed serious challenges that Mosimane will face in the new season after the Brazilians were let down by a porous defence and a blunt strike-force.
The club is finalising plans for a pre-season camp in west Africa, after relative success following a similar camp in Zimbabwe in January.
"Maybe it (Top 8) was not meant for us," said Mosimane. "That's life. Sometimes in life you have to look at both the positives and negatives.
"We started badly - we could have done better - but the Top 8 is no more and we have to look ahead."
Sundowns were eager to end their poor season on a positive note, not least after they had shown strong signs of a recovery in the past four matches.
But by being held to a draw on Saturday, Sundowns failed a test of character, as their Top 8 fate lay in their hands.
"It's not good enough," Mosimane said. "Honestly, we could have qualified for the Top 8 long ago. We need to do more... strengthen the team, prepare properly and come out strongly next season."
A list of players surplus to requirements has already been drawn up and the team will be making announcements on pending changes in playing personnel in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Clive Barker confirmed he won't be staying on as Wits head coach next season, but will welcome another crack at top-flight coaching.
"If Gavin (Hunt of SuperSport United) comes, I'll support the move. In the first meeting that I had with the hierarchy (I was told) that Gavin was going to be coach," said Barker.
"I'm pleased with the opportunity Wits gave me.
"Chiefs deserve to win the league after they set the tone early on but my team played well. They remind me of Bush Bucks and I think they'll play like that next season if they keep working like they did.
"There are good players in this team who management will have to hold on to for continuity ... the likes of Mashaba (Mzikayise)."
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