Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has explained the decision to drop defender Given Msimango to the bench against Magesi FC, despite the player’s solid performances in recent outings.
Msimango was the only change for Amakhosi during the impressive 4-1 win against Magesi FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday night.
The 28-year-old had some solid performances against Orbit College FC and his former side, TS Galaxy, after the FIFA international break, partnering Aden McCarthy at the centre of defence.
However, he was dropped to the bench against Magesi with Inacio Miguel preferred alongside McCarthy.
Msimango recently returned to the Chiefs squad after a long-term groin injury sidelined him for several months.
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“As I said, we don’t depend on one player. It’s a big squad, and we have to rotate,” Ben Youssef explained to journalists.
“Sometimes it’s about prevention, and sometimes it’s the workload. So the decision was made last week, and we knew that [Inacio] Miguel would play this game. That’s the plan that we prepared, and we are proud because every player who came to pitch helped. Miguel also performed very well today [Wednesday]. Last week it was Given [Msimango]. So sometimes we need to make rotations.”
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Amakhosi will now face Polokwane City FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday, 18 April. Chiefs are having one of their best seasons in the league in a long time, with five wins in a row.
This is after they failed to qualify for the top eight for two seasons in a row. With 45 points, the club looks set to secure a place in the CAF Confederation Cup. After the Polokwane clash, Chiefs will shift focus to the Soweto Derby against rivals Orlando Pirates on Sunday, 26 April.
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