Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why he started Mbekezeli Mbokazi on the bench against Golden Arrows on Wednesday.
The Buccaneers secured a 3-1 win over Abafana Bes’thende in the Betway Premiership match at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.
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Mbokazi, a key player for Ezimnyama Ngenkani since debuting late last season, was a noticeable absentee from the starting line-up, featuring instead as a substitute who came on only near the end of the match.
Ouaddou stated they decided to ease the workload on the left centre-back, citing the high number of matches he has played since the start of the season.
The move coincided with preparations for the Carling Knockout Cup match, which sees Pirates face Richards Bay FC this Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
“We have to take into consideration the physical integrity of the players and to manage them,” said Ouaddou.
“But at the same time, it is not easy for a coach because you have to keep the competitiveness in the team. You cannot change the team too much and lose the competitiveness.
“We know the load that Mbokazi has been exposed to since the beginning of the season, with the national team and with us as well.
“We thought, me and my staff and the performance department, we needed to give him a little bit of rest and bring him towards the end of the match and he did well.”
