Lack of experience let Maritzburg United down after they surrendered their away goal advantage, from the first leg, to lose to SuperSport United in the second leg of the MTN8 at the weekend.
This is the sentiment of Maritzburg coach Fadlu Davids after his side failed to reach a maiden cup final.
"It is disappointing but we have to admit that they were the better side. They deserved to win; they used their experience. They have been in such situations before, and for us it is a different story,'' Davids said in the aftermath of their 2-0 defeat at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday.
Matsatsantsa striker Jeremy Brockie scored in each half to steer SuperSport to their third cup final in as many seasons.
"The occasion was a little bit too big for some of our players and we have got to admit it is a learning curve," added the 36-year-old tactician.
In the wake of their defeat to Matsatsantsa, the Team of Choice mentor expects his charges to forget about their MTN8 disappointment when they visit AmaZulu, in a league encounter tomorrow at King Zwelithini Stadium.
"When we play AmaZulu it will be a new game and it will be about the KZN bragging rights and three points. It is important that we keep our good run in the league."
SuperSport, meanwhile, will host Platinum Stars at Lucas Moripe Stadium tomorrow.