Polokwane City head coach Willy Moloto has explained his 25th minute substitutions against Sekhukhune United saying he was protecting the players especially Giovanni Philander.
City conceded two goals inside the opening 20 minutes against their provincial rivals who went on to win the league game 2-0 at Seshego Stadium on Saturday. This saw Moloto ringing changes 25 minutes into the first half bringing on Tlou Nkwe and Banele Mnguni for Philander and Vuyo Kopamotse.
The result saw Rise and Shine drop to eighth place on the Betway Premiership table with four points in three outings.
Meanwhile, it was the second time this season Philander was sacrificed in the first half as a City player, with the same fate befalling him in the 3-2 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 quarter-finals last weekend.
When asked why Philander was subbed early again, Moloto said he had to protect the winger as the goals were conceded from his mistakes.
“Yeah they [subs] make an impact because the other thing as a coach is that I also have to protect him [Philander],” said Moloto.
“Because two mistakes they come from him, and two goals were scored. So, if I let him to play more, I’m killing him I’m not protecting him you understand.
“So, I have to be a clever coach, what must I do? Let me rest him and go to training and work with him.”
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