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Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane admits to using this CAF Champions League campaign as an experiment for next season.
Mosimane was pleased with his side's 2-0 victory over ES Setif in their CAF Champions League Group B opener on Saturday night.
Goals from Tiyani Mabunda and Premiership Player of the Season Khama Billiat sealed the win for the Brazilians in Algeria.
Mosimane believes his team carried their mandate well on the day, as they look to enjoy this year's edition of the tournament with less pressure and prepare well for next season.
"It was satisfying. You cannot say you are not happy or you could have got more. We got the best result possible," he told the media.
"We have Champions League next year so this year is to experiment and have fun - I told you. We have nothing to lose this year, but everything to gain next year, maybe.
"We are just having fun and you could see less stress, less pressure. We did whatever we had to do," Mosimane added.
"Our preparations weren't very strong but maybe we needed that. Kind of mentality that we don't have to worry, let the players go and play for their respective teams and when they came back we still gave them seven days off," he added.
"We only trained for five days. I must give credit to Kabelo Rangoaga [fitness trainer] and the players who really look after themselves. The players were up to the task.
"We played without a few guys that are usually in the starting line-up. Kekana was not himself as he has a groin problem - he was not at his best, but tactically he was important for us. Hopefully he will be back [to his best] next week."
The 2015/16 Premiership champions will host Nigerian giants Enyimba at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Attridgeville for their second group encounter next week.
"At home it is important to be consistent. We have been scoring at home and we have won all our Caf games at home," Mosimane concluded.
