Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has defended his decision to heavily rotate the squad in their recent 2-0 Betway Premiership win over Polokwane City.
Mngqithi made eight changes from the side that faced Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout Cup, resting key players like Grant Kekana, Khuliso Mudau, Lucas Ribeiro, and Tebogo Mokoena.
While Sundowns secured a comfortable victory at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Mngqithi was clear that squad rotation was a deliberate tactic.
“I trust the process because I am the one who came up with the idea of keeping our team as fresh as possible,” he explained. “I don’t want tired legs when we get to games of consequence.”
Despite a previous setback against Polokwane City, Mngqithi remains confident in his players’ ability. “I trust the players we have, and I believe they are good enough,” he said.
“That loss was one of those days in football where things just didn’t click, we lacked mobility, creativity, and aggression. But that doesn’t define the team we’ve had since the season began.”
Mngqithi’s rotation approach is about more than just resting starters; it reflects his commitment to fostering depth in a squad aiming to challenge across multiple competitions.
“I am ready to take a bullet to give these players a chance to play,” he added.
Looking ahead, Sundowns will take on Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final on Sunday, where Mngqithi’s selection choices will once again come under the spotlight as the team battles for a place in the final on November 23.