Mamelodi Sundowns DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] head coach Tiro van Rooyen has shed light on why senior team defender Malibongwe Khoza featured for the reserve side in their recent clash against Golden Arrows.
The Bafana Bafana international played the full 90 minutes on Sunday afternoon at Seshego Stadium, but his presence wasn’t enough to prevent a narrow 3-2 defeat to Abafana Bes’thende.
The loss dealt a serious blow to the young Brazilians’ title aspirations. By dropping three points in Polokwane, Sundowns missed a vital opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Orlando Pirates.
Currently, the Chloorkop-based outfit sits second in the DDC log standings with 39 points from 19 matches. Bafana Ba Style now trail the Buccaneers by five points.
However, it is worth noting that the Pirates were not in action this past weekend, as their fixture against Stellenbosch FC was postponed following the tragic passing of Stellies’ midfielder, Jeandre Gaffoor.
MALIBONGWE KHOZA’S PRESENCE WITH MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DDC TEAM EXPLAINED
Van Rooyen explained that Khoza’s inclusion was a necessity driven by a defensive crisis within the youth ranks, citing many injury setbacks as the main reason.
He emphasised that the club’s depth allows for this kind of internal support when the youth squad is stretched thin.
“Honestly, we have a lot of injuries in the center back position. There have been many contact injuries, and the players have played a lot of football,” Van Rooyen told FARPost when asked about Khoza’s presence in the DDC team.
“So, obviously, a few niggles will arise, and if you are not ready to play, we have many resources at the club to help them.
“Malibongwe had to come in to help us, and he was very important there at the back with the other young players.”
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