Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has explained the thinking behind starting in-form attacker Cassius Mailula on the bench against Orlando Pirates.
Sundowns cruised to a 2-0 victory against Orlando Pirates on Friday to claim maximum points in the DStv Premiership clash.
CASSIUS MAILULA REPLACED NASIR
The Limpopo-born attacker came in as a second-half substitute for Abubeker Nasir.
The Ethiopian international was stretchered out at the stroke of halftime after colliding with Pirates goalie Siyabonga Mpontshane.
Mailula came through Sundowns’ DStv Diski Challenge side.
He has been impressive under the guidance of Mokwena since his promotion to the first team.
Despite being one of the outstanding starlets in Sundowns’ colours, Mailula surprisingly started on the bench against Pirates.
“It was just match readiness. He [Mailula] is not ready after the injury,” Mokwena told the media.
“It’s just a pity that even his introduction in the second half was a bit fastened because of Abubeker Nasir’s injury, which is unfortunate.
“It’s just sad that last time it was Haashim Domingo against Pirates.
“Today it is Nasir, and it’s sad that these types of games always have to end with such injuries,” he added.
In ent 2022/23 season, Mailula has played seven games in all competitions for the Tshwane giants.
He has scored five goals while contributing one assist.
SHOWERED WITH PRAISE
Meanwhile, Nasir was showered with praises by Mokwena, who described him as ‘selfless’.
“Nasir is loved by his teammates, such a humble person you can see he tries to create for his teammates.
“I could see on halftime when they took him on the stretcher to the bench, all his teammates passed through to encourage him because of the type of human being he is,” said the former Chippa United coach.
The Brazilians will look to continue the winning momentum when they face Swallows next Tuesday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Kick-off for that match is 19:30.
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