The weight of Mamelodi Sundowns' failure to add the Carling Knockout to their trophy cabinet had a cup final disappointments reminder attached to it.
The Brazilians' latest loss will feel like salt being added to a fresh wound having grown to become cup final failure specialists of note.
READ | History-makers Magesi pip Downs to Knockout title
With what happened on Saturday, Sundowns now have a 40 percent success rate in domestic cup finals through the PSL era years and have now lost three cup finals in a row on the domestic scene.
From 25 local cup finals that they have reached, The Brazilians have won only 10.
Their first cup final in the PSL era years came in the 1997 edition of the same competition which they lost on Saturday.
Back then, it was defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in what was known as the Rothmans Cup with that decider twice needing extra time before it was settled on penalties.
They have lost five finals (1997, 1998, 2008, 2012 2024) in this competition – League Cup – just like they have also come out second-best in each of the Nedbank Cup and the MTN8, pushing their silver medal count to 15.
The Nedbank Cup despair came in 2000, 2001, 2007, 2012 and 2024, while the MTN8 misery was in 2001, 2002, 2008, 2016 and 2023.
In comparison, Kaizer Chiefs have lost seven out of 22, while Orlando Pirates have been second-best in 10 out of 24 finals.
The Buccaneers have been helped by the fact that they have won the last three MTN8 editions and the last two Nedbank Cups.
READ | Manqoba: I can't blame Mudau alone...
However, across all competitions, Sundowns is the most successful club through the PSL era years with 27 trophies.
Kaizer Chiefs remain stuck on 20 since their last trophy in 2015 with Pirates up to 18.