The Durban City coach was speaking after his side’s 2-0 defeat by Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout last 16 on Wednesday, when Sinoxolo Kwayiba scored both goals to send City out of the competition.

Sundowns’ continental campaign ended even earlier than expected after a 1-1 draw with Angola’s Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld left the tie level on aggregate. Wiliete progressed to the group stage on away goals, ending Sundowns’ run of 11 consecutive appearances at that stage.

Tinkler admitted the result had surprised him, given the quality within the Pretoria club’s squad, but argued that the modern game places excessive demands on leading players.

“The amount of competitions that currently exist and the amount of games that players are having to play, in my view, is a lot, it’s too many,” he said.

He pointed to the challenge facing Sundowns’ South African internationals, including Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba and Themba Zwane, who returned from World Cup duty before being thrust into Champions League qualifying.

Williams made 44 appearances for Sundowns last season, while Modiba featured 42 times and Mokoena 40 before the tournament.

“Somewhere along the line there’s going to be fatigue,” Tinkler said. “I think it’s crept into Sundowns because they’ve been so successful over the years.”

The early exit raises questions about how Sundowns will manage their workload as they pursue domestic honours and rebuild their continental campaign.

Tinkler was more optimistic about Orlando Pirates’ prospects in the Champions League group stage, believing the Buccaneers have the quality to compete. However, he stopped short of placing them alongside Sundowns.

“I think definitely, with the qualities that they have, Pirates can compete in the Champions League,” he said. “But are they on the same level as Sundowns? I don’t know.”

In a match defined by grit and tactical discipline, Gavin Hunt’s Durban City locked horns with the co-managed Kaizer Chiefs duo, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

Both teams carved out opportunities in a cagey contest, but it was Flavio Silva’s late strike that ultimately broke the deadlock and proved decisive.

Chiefs started brightly, with Makabi Lilepo and Mfundo Vilakazi both testing Darren Keet early on, while City’s Mfanafuthi Mkhize fired narrowly over following a set piece.

The first half ended goalless despite half-chances at both ends, including a fine save by Keet from Vilakazi’s long-range effort just before the break.

The second half continued in similar fashion, with City pushing forward through Bokang Mokwena and Fezile Gcaba, while Chiefs gradually took control after a string of substitutions.

The introduction of Gaston Sirino added creativity, and the Uruguayan made an instant impact when his pinpoint cross found Silva in the 88th minute. The Portuguese striker rose highest to glance his header into the top corner, sending the travelling fans into raptures.

Durban City threw everything forward in the closing moments, with Letsie Koapeng forcing a fine save and Kyle Jurgens missing a late chance to equalise.

But Chiefs’ defence, marshalled by Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross, held firm to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.

The victory lifts Chiefs to third in the standings on 19 points from 10 matches. Durban City, meanwhile, drop to fifth with 15 points from 11 games.

It was a reminder that Chiefs, despite their recent inconsistency, remain one of the Premiership’s most dangerous sides when it matters most.