Neeskens rues inconsistency

Johannesburg - Mamelodi Sundowns coach Johan Neeskens admits his side's failure to control matches was the reason behind their failed PSL campaign.

That result marked Downs' fourth defeat in their last five matches, while another loss to Free State Stars on the final day of the campaign could see them finish as low as sixth.

"You have to accept that we lost this title because we had too many draws and lost too many unnecessary games this season," Neeskens told Times Live.

Question marks have been raised over the Dutchman's squad selection over the past few matches, with star striker Elias Pelembe having been left out of the squad for the defeats against Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport.

However, when asked about the player's omission, Neeskens said: "Because I have a big squad as everyone says and Pelembe was suspended against Free State Stars (in the Nedbank Cup semi-final).

"The team did very well, so why should I change the starting line-up?

"I think I had to give confidence to the players who played in that game. As a coach I have to take a decision about which players I put on the bench and I had a lot of choices.

"I put (Katlego) Killer Mphela and Lebogang (Mokoena) on the bench for the game. That's the reason he (Pelembe) was not there. There was no other reason."

Sundowns have one last chance to lay their hands on silverware this term when they clash against bitter rivals Matsatsantsa in the Nedbank Cup final on May 26.