Kaizer Chiefs striker Ashley Du Preez admits “it’s very tough” and “still hurting” after they missed the chance to book their place in the final of the MTN8.

The Glamour Boys missed the opportunity to book their place in the finals of the competition after going down 2-1 to the Brazilians with Sundowns going through 3-2 on aggregate.

Peter Shalulile opened the scoring after just 10 seconds before Ashley Du Preez levelled matters in the 34th minute but Shalulile put the game beyond Chiefs after scoring a 49th-minute winner at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Du Preez bemoans his side’s defeat to Sundowns as they were handed an opportunity to end their trophy drought despite being in contention silverware on other fronts.

“It’s very tough; it’s still hurting. I think we had a massive opportunity to put our hands on the trophy and make history,” Du Preez told his club’s official website.

“It didn’t happen and we are very hurt about it. It’s going to be tough to move on, because we know we haven’t won a trophy in years and we really wanted to change that, especially to make the fans happy. We failed them and we failed the Club.

“But, there is still a lot to play for and this must be a learning experience for us, which we must take into our next games by winning every weekend. Only that will make us feel better as a Club, and as supporters.

“Like I said at the end of last season, I want to improve my game. I don’t want to repeat the chances I missed. I have had a really good start to this season, but for a player like me who works so hard, when I get chances I must be totally focused on improving my finishing.

“Sometimes, I feel I am trying so hard that when a chance comes I rush it , so I am working a lot on learning to be more composed. I go into every performance to do my best when playing for this badge. It’s also a team effort and everyone in the squad is working towards the same goal, which is to win things.”

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