Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki has explained Sifiso Hlanti’s absence in their DStv Premiership clash against Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday night.
The Bafana Bafana international was not included in Ntseki’s final squad for the trip to Cape Town to face Stellies.
Chiefs won the game with a 2-0 scoreline at Athlone Stadium, thanks to goals by Pule Mmodi and Christian Saile.
The victory saw Amakhosi climb up the log standings to position five with seven points from five outings.
MOLEFI NTSEKI EXPLAINS S’FISO HLANTI’S ABSENCE
Coach Ntseki has come forward to explain the reason behind Sifiso Hlanti’s surprise absence.
This season, Hlanti has never missed a league game, except for yesterday’s game against Steve Barker’s charges.
“We needed to rest some of the players because they have been playing back-to-back matches,” Ntseki told the media.
“So, I think the management of the players was very important. Even today [Wednesday], we had to rest some of the players, not necessarily to weaken the team but to strengthen the team.
“The energy levels, you could see that they were getting depleted. All the players that played today, whoever was on the pitch, did a very good job in terms of our game plan and winning the match.”
Ntseki continued: “This will be a confidence booster going into the next game.
“So, those who were on the bench and the ones that we left in Johannesburg know what is expected of them whenever we have to play the next game.”
KAIZER CHIEFS’ NEXT ASSIGNMENT
Now, Chiefs will shift their focus to their MTN8 semi-final first-leg against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, 2 September 2023.
The Glamour Boys will welcome Rulani Mokwena’s boys at FNB Stadium, with the kick-off set for 15:00.
The Soweto giants will be hoping to put an end to Sundowns’ 30 games unbeaten run on Saturday.
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