Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena says the decision to rest Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena has a bigger picture for the rest of the 2022/23 season.
Williams and Mokoena have arguably been two of their most important figures this season with the latter thriving in his role as a number six in Mokwena tactical set-up.
Statistically, there’s been no better midfielder in the league while Williams has earned plaudits for his roles as a sweeper-keeper in the high-octane set-up as he provides an option as an extra player in their build-up schemes.
Both players were not part of their squads that beat TS Galaxy and Sekhukhune United last week ahead of a heavily congested schedule that includes the league, Nedbank Cup, and CAF Champions League group stage in February.
“I wish I could say wrap them up in cotton wool but the long and short of it is that yes. it’s just rotation and giving others a fair chance also – and I think they have done very well, AJ has been superb in the last two games,” he said at Loftus Versveld after the game.
“Zungu has some very good minutes to build him and he’s had very good possibilities and of course, Dennis Onyango is Dennis Onyango, he’s been in that space and it also gives you an opportunity to have Kennedy on the bench, to have Riyaad on the bench and be part of the group.
“That helps a lot with group dynamics, especially because of the leadership status – but as I always say to you guys, I don’t like to speak about individuals because football, being the sport that it is, is a team sport.
“It’s a huge compliment to everyone because there’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes from the coaches to the management, to everybody – so a collective effort that needs to be applauded as a collective.”
Sundowns currently lead the DStv Premiership table – 22 points ahead of second-placed Richards Bay, with ten rounds of fixtures remaining for the reigning champions.
