‘He understands’ – Mngqithi on Themba Zwane starting from the bench
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained how they plan to manage Themba Zwane this season after once again starting the Bafana Bafana captain on the bench on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old Sundowns skipper came off the bench to make an immediate impact during the 2-0 win against SuperSport United in the Betway Premiership Tshwane Derby tie at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
It was the third match that the Bafana Bafana star came off the bench for his club. His presence was immediately felt as he provided the assist for the first goal by Iqraam Rayners.
MANQOBA MNGQITHI EXPLAINS HOW THEY PLAN TO USE THEMBA ZWANE
“I don’t think there is a problem. Is there any thought that there is a problem? We have to periodise our players, our most important players,” explained Mngqithi after the match.
“We have six competitions to play in, and it is very important for us to make sure that we don’t burn our 34-year-old very early in the season. It’s very important, and it’s something that is going to happen until you start to look at it as a problem.
“But there is no problem. He understands, he understands how many games we are going to play this season, and if we go for 90 minutes with Themba every match at 34, how far will he go this season,” he said.
“For me, in our periodisation, I think it’s important to make sure that we take care of Sundowns. Not your wishes and aspirations, but Sundowns.”
MASANDAWANA START THE BETWAY PREMIERSHIP SEASON WITH A WIN
Mngqithi also reflected on the win against their neighbours, which put them at the summit of the Betway Premiership after one match.
“We knew SuperSport was not going to be an easy team. We knew their strength, mainly their set pieces. Their second ball situations and their transitions. I was even talking to the players, and they said this game is close to the game against Mbabane because they also pose the same threats.”
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