Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi remained subdued despite a 4-0 win over Mbabane Swallows in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
The Brazilians, who had struggled in their MTN8 Cup fixtures, made a strong statement with goals from Mosa Lebusa, Iqraam Rayners, and a brace from Lucas Ribeiro.
Sundowns’ dominance was evident as they took a commanding 3-0 lead into half-time, thanks to first-half strikes from Ribeiro, Lebusa, and Rayners.
ibeiro added his second in the latter half, but Mngqithi felt the team could have done much more.
“I was pleased with the four goals, but we missed numerous other opportunities that we should have converted,” Mngqithi lamented.
“Our focus now should be on refining our attacking movements and making sure that our improved play results in more goals.”
Mngqithi’s dissatisfaction wasn’t just with this match but also echoed his sentiments from previous games.
“In our matches against Polokwane City and Stellenbosch, we created chances but failed to finish them,” he pointed out.
The coach highlighted the missed chances as a key concern. “We could have easily scored seven or eight goals. We were in excellent positions, and our defence ensured that Swallows had minimal opportunities.
“If we’re not clinical, it opens up the possibility of opponents scoring from counterattacks, which we must avoid.”
Sundowns are virtually assured of progressing to the group stages with the second leg scheduled for this Saturday, also at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Despite the comfortable lead, Mngqithi’s desire for improvement remains unwavering.