Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has explained why he started Teboho Mokoena on the bench in their 2-0 win over Milford FC at Loftus Stadium, saying it was only due to rotation and nothing else.
Mokoena, 29, came on as a half-time substitute against the newcomers on Wednesday to help his side level points with Orlando Pirates at the top of the Betway Premiership table.
This is amidst reports linking the Bafana Bafana international with a move to Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.
While Mokoena’s representative has been quoted in the media pouring cold water on the rumours, Cardoso explained that with the kind of intensity his side displays in games, he has to manage all his players and it’s no different with Mokoena.
“Tebza stayed on the bench like other players as you see,” said Cardoso.
“Like Bryan [Leon] stayed on the bench, like players that started the previous one, like Fawaaz [Basadien] started the previous one, staying on the bench. [Thapelo] Morena started the previous one, stayed on the bench. [Khulumani] Ndamane didn’t even come on the call-up.
“So look, when you play matches with intensity, I think you saw because you praised it the level that we’ve been putting before in AmaZulu, and then all [Lamontvile Golden] Arrows away the intensity of that match.
“If we don’t change a few players on the team today, we would be on the knees in this match and for the future.
“So the rotation of the players has to do with management of the group, also providing opportunities for everybody, and nothing more than that.”