Royal AM FC head coach John Maduka has explained his decision to make four substitutions in the first half as they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against Orlando Pirates in a DStv Premiership clash on Wednesday evening.
Pirates were quick out of the blocks after scoring three goals in first-half with Zakhele Lepasa and Monnapule Saleng getting on the score sheet.
This forced Royal AM coach Maduka to make early changes after pulling out ex-Pirates duo Thabo Matlaba and Menzi Masuku. The coach also took out Sanele Radebe and Siphesihle Msomi. The four players were replaced by Motebang Sera, Sphiwe Cele, Mzwanele Dlamini and Sabelo Sithole.
Maduka’s men were evidently struggling to contain Pirates’ speed in attack after conceding three goals in the first half of the match.
MADUKA SHED LIGHT ON QUADRUPLE SUBS AGAINST PIRATES
John Maduka has opened up about the decision to make four impulsive substitutions in the opening half of the match.
“We saw that we were very slow, and we realised that these players played a few days ago,” said Maduka.
“Remember, they’re a bit old as well, so that’s why we had to try and make changes to put fresh legs.
The Malawian tactician further responded to questions on whether the substitutions were aimed at sending a message to underperforming players.
“It was really not a statement, but players must understand and also know that you can’t wait until you get punished to start playing,” he added.
“You have to start the game well. I always emphasise that we have to start the games well. We knew that Orlando Pirates will come aggressively.
“The first 15 minutes of the game, if you are not awake, you’ll have a problem and that problem we saw it in the first half.
“I’m not happy with the three goals that we conceded in the first half. But it’s not really a statement, we’ve made substitutions like that before.”
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