Orlando Pirates’ 2–0 win over Magesi FC lifted them to second place in the Betway Premiership, but the result came with noticeable absentees.
Sipho Mbule and Evidence Makgopa were both left out of the matchday squad and watched from the stands at the Orlando Amstel Arena, raising questions among supporters.
ABDESLAM OUADDOU EXPLAINS SIPHO MBULE AND EVIDENCE MAKGOPA ABSENCE
It was the second straight game Mbule missed, following his absence against Sekhukhune United in midweek.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was quick to clarify that the decision was not disciplinary, but strategic.
“It was the tactical choice regarding the profile of the opponents,” said Ouaddou to journalists.
With fixtures piling up fast, squad management has become a priority for Pirates, who are entering a congested period.
“We have a lot of games coming, especially next week, we have AmaZulu, we have the cup.
“We are going to play every after three days. So, it’s very important to manage the players.”
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LEAGUE RACE AGAINST MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
The latest three points saw Orlando Pirates move onto 32, level with Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the table, separated only by a two-goal difference, though the Buccaneers hold a crucial game in hand.
The Buccaneers’ schedule offers little recovery time, with their next league match against AmaZulu set for Tuesday, 3 January, at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Rotation, it seems, will be part of the plan.
WHICH TEAM IS MOST LIKELY TO WIN THE BETWAY PREMIERSHIP?
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