Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki has explained why Given Msimango was on the sidelines when his side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cape Town City in a DStv Premiership clash on Tuesday night.
The game took place at the FNB Stadium, with Khanyisa Mayo’s solo goal breaking Amakhosi’s home unbeaten run this season.
Msimango, who has featured in the previous 11 matches across all competitions for the Glamour Boys, did not play against the Citizens on Tuesday night which left many people wondering why.
It goes without a doubt that in all the games Msimango played in Chiefs colours, he showcased his importance and involvement with the Soweto giants.
MOLEFI NTSEKI ON GIVEN MSIMANGO
Coach Ntseki revealed why Msimango was on the bench as Chiefs lost to Eric Tinkler’s side in a league match.
“I always emphasise giving the players that are on the pitch the confidence. In situations like this where some players that started the season and they were playing very well, the rotation system has to come in,” said Ntseki.
“We don’t have to wait until a player gets injured. I think you have seen some of the players like George Matlou, Edson Castillo, and Yusuf Maart. Now we are pulling them out just to manage energy levels and possibly fatigue crippling in. So, we try to keep them fresh on the time.
“I think ‘Mapholoba’ [Njabulo Ngcobo] has been doing well. The attitude has been very good. He did very well in the pre-season. It was just for us to decide who has to start at the back and we decided to go with Given, who has been doing very well too.”
The former Bafana Bafana mentor went on to say there was a need for the squad rotation.
“But there was a need for us to rotate the team. Also since ‘Mapholoba’ took over from the first game has been doing very well. I think that’s the confidence we need to give even to those who were not on the team tonight because the attitude has been positive. We need to support each other all the time,” he added.
“I think, not only about Given, but the rest of the team who were not on the pitch or the bench. I think we also looking at the goalkeeping department rotation that we are having.
“Also, in the last few games we played Zitha Kwinika on the right back, so Reeve Frosler came in and we gave him a chance.”
As things stand, Chiefs are placed seventh on the DStv Premiership log standings with 11 points from nine outings.
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