Brandon Truter has admitted that he made changes to his side that drew 1-1 with TS Galaxy because he had the Nedbank Cup semi-final away at Stellenbosch at the back of his head.
Pogiso Mahlangu, Philani Zulu and Tresor Tshibwabwa started the game while Denwin Farmer and Thamsanqa Masiya came off the bench, while there was a positional switch for Vusimuzi Mncube.
Truter says he also looked at the schedule ahead of facing a Stellies side, who has been on fire in their last few matches, so he needed his main players fresh for the cup clash.
“It was also informed by the fact that we played 72 hours ago, then of course playing now and we have another game in another three days. So it was important for us to freshen up but we couldn’t do it [with] the full 11,” said Truter.
“We had to keep Vusi in, we had to keep Dana in and Mobbie as well. It was important that we kept a core of some sort, especially for Tresor in the center of the park, Zulu in defense, Mahlangu getting a start with Mashikinya and the front three. Ohizu, at half-time, he came off. It’s important that we stay as fresh as possible going into the weekend.
“Stellenbosch played a different level last night so the main players are all fresh to go into the weekend. We are facing a fresh team.
“We are facing a team that has a lot of energy, a lot of speed so it’s important that we recover fully and recover adequately to go into that game.”
Meanwhile, ‘Brakkies’ – as the coach is affectionately known – is relishing his second semi-final this season in his home province, saying he has enjoyed positive results with Sekhukhune in his home province.
“As long as I have been with the club going to Cape Town has always been positive results, where I’m concerned with the team I’m going with to Cape Town. So we will draw our inspiration from that as well,” he added.
“Yes, second semi-final…a lot of praying hopefully will keep us in the job but so far its’ for the first time in the semi-final for the team as well. That is an accolade upon itself as well.
“Going to the final would be nice but that is down to the boys. I think at the end of the day, like I said it’s going to be the desire and will to win and get to the final.”
