Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane believes that a lack of experience in the squad was Orlando Pirates downfall in the Caf Champions League.

The Buccaneers were eliminated from the African tournament in the group stages after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Guinean giants Horoya AC at the Stade 28 Septembre Stadium on 16 March.

Meanwhile, Sundowns advanced to the next round of the continental tournament after finishing second in Group A level on 10 points with group winners Wydad Casablanca.

Mosimane felt that Pirates did well during the group stages following their return after their five-year absence from the competition.

‘Pirates did very well to go to the group stages of the Champions League after not competing in the competition for some time, they did exceptionally well,’ Mosimane told the media.

The former Bafana Bafana mentor added that the Buccaneers lacked the players and had to rely on the experience of Happy Jele, Wayne Sandilands and Asavela Mbekile.

‘I think Happy Jele and Wayne Sandilands [and Asavela Mbekile] are the only guys who have the experience,’ he added.

‘But Alfred Ndengane and Thembinkosi Lorch have not played in the Champions League and you could see that they lacked experience.’

Mameldoi Sundowns will next welcome Egyptian giants Al Ahly to the Lucas Moripe Stadium when the two sides lock horns in the knockout stages of the Caf Champions League on Saturday, with kick-off set for 3pm.