Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has given details on why he decided to bench Mbekezeli Mbokazi midweek.
The 20-year-old has been a rock at the back since getting promoted to the first team in March. He has even taken over the armband this season with regular captain Nkosinathi Sibisi on the bench.
In 21 matches Orlando Pirates played this season across all competitions, Mbokazi has featured in 20 of them and has also played three times for Bafana Bafana.
Ouaddou explained why the young defender did not start midweek against Golden Arrows.
“We have to take into consideration the physical integrity of the players and manage them,” said Ouaddou as per iDiski Times.
“But at the same time, it is not easy for a coach because you have to keep the competitiveness in the team. You cannot change the team too much and lose competitiveness. “
Mbokazi has formed a solid partnership at the back with Lebone Seema. So far, they have led the team to the MTN8 trophy and have reached another final which is the Carling Knockout Cup.
“We know the load that Mbokazi has been exposed to since the beginning of the season, with the national team and with us as well,” said the Pirates coach.
“We thought, me and my staff and the performance department, we needed to give him a little bit of rest and bring him towards the end of the match and he did well.”
Mbokazi could leave Pirates soon
With the Africa Cup of Nations coming up, Mbokazi will once again get to showcase his talent across the world. He has attracted a few European teams but a good AFCON performance will see him leave the PSL at the end of the season.