Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he will work hard to manage his squad this season by rotating his players.
The Buccaneers will play more games than most over the next eight months and have already successfully defended their MTN8 title.
They are six games into the new Betway Premiership season and have also begun their CAF Champions League campaign and recently learnt their opponents for the upcoming Carling Knockout.
The qualifying rounds for the smaller teams to compete in this season’s Nedbank Cup are, meanwhile, currently ongoing.
Ouaddou’s side most recently saw off Siwelele 1-0 in the league on Tuesday, where matchwinner Appollis came from the bench to replace Patrick Maswanganyi.
Speaking after the game, the Bucs boss said it is important he keeps his players fresh. He said on Times Live: “It is important to have good management of players when you play in many competitions.
“It was the plan [to start Appollis on the bench]. We wanted to rest him because he featured in most of the games so far this season. You would like to play all your best players but at the same times you have to think about injuries.
“We don’t want injuries because we have a long season. When we came to Bloemfontein, we had already planned for the two games against Lioli FC and Siwelele FC.
“We knew he [Appollis] will come in the second half with other players. He is a special player and the scouting department did well because they know exactly the kind of player they want to fit with the identity of the club.
“It is not only him — the quality of other players Pirates recruited for this season is fantastic. I have told some of them, this is not the time to play but they have to be patient because everybody will have a chance this season.”
Pirates are next in action on Saturday against Lioli in the second leg of their First preliminary round qualifier, where they lead 3-0 from the first leg.