AmaZulu coach Romain Folz has explained why midfielder Keagan Buchanan was left out of the starting 11 against Orlando Pirates on Saturday in the MTN8 final.
According to the Frenchman, Folz, it was just a tactical choice, nothing else.
Buchanan has been key for Usuthu in the MTN8, playing all three previous matches. His omission came as a surprise.
This resulted in the Soweto giants dominating the midfield with the duo of Miguel Timm and Ben Motshwari.
Pirates were crowned champions, winning the encounter 1-0, thanks to in-form Monnapule Saleng’s first-half free kick.
FOLZ ON BUCHANAN
“About Keagan [Buchanan], it was a tactical choice. You only play 11 players. I have 30+ players in my team,” Folz told the media.
“I think it’s a bit disrespectful to point out why I didn’t play this one. You could also point out why I played this one, why I put this one out of the squad.
“We wanted a bit more volume in the midfield in terms of runs. We wanted more activity off the ball, trying to cover more space in the midfield.
“You can always argue with the same question. It’s just a tactical choice which for us was the best one. We have a good squad, we have many options, but we can only play 11 players.”
Folz further revealed that he has no regrets about the starting 11 he chose to play.
“It’s always easy to come after the game and say, I should have done this. I should have done that. We take decisions before the game sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
“You do what you think it’s best for the team. I have no regrets about who I chose to start the game,” Folz added.
Losing the MTN8 Final saw Usuthu’s 30-year trophy drought continue, whilst for Pirates they ended their two years trophy drought.
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