PITSO Mosimane has to confront two headaches this week - the injury scare to Khama Billiat and the unwanted "it wasn't pretty but we won" hiccup that has been evident in Mamelodi Sundowns' last three matches.

The Brazilians scraped through to the semifinals of the Telkom Knockout on Saturday after beating AmaZulu 2-1 in extra time.

Billiat, who only recently returned to action following an injury, hobbled off and was replaced by Ejike Uzoenyi in the second half.

"You never know with Khama. Unfortunately, he is always hit by injuries, and when you lose him in the second half of an open game, you feel it. We will hear what the doctors say because Khama is so important to us," explained Mosimane.

Asked for his thoughts on why Sundowns have been inconsistent in a season where they aim to retain their title and push for the African Champions League trophy, the coach said it was proof that "the honeymoon period" from their Premiership triumph in May was over.

"It is not always going to be rosy. AmaZulu played a little better than us.

"It is easy for me to speak now because we have won the game, but I always knew that we have the experience to see games through when there's still a few more minutes to be played.

"We have the mental strength. In football there's a time for the honeymoon phase and sometimes you go through turbulence. But what is important is to get the result," said Mosimane.

He is hoping for a much improved performance against Free State Stars on Saturday when Sundowns temporarily return to the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville with Loftus being unavailable due to maintenance. Downs will welcome Lebohang Mokoena back from injury.