Orlando Pirates coach Abdelslam Waddu explained the decision not to include captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and forward Yanelu Mbutumu in the squad for the recent match, emphasizing the need for proper squad management amid a tight game schedule.
Both players were absent during the match, in which Pirates won 2-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena stadium. Goals were scored by Boitumelo Radiopane and Oswin Apollos.
Since the Buccaneers were playing their third match in a demanding period, during which they faced Sekhukhune twice in four days, Waddu decided to rotate the squad instead of risking key players being overworked.
Sibisi is an important figure in Pirates' defense, and Mbutumu actively plays in attack since the start of the season. Waddu also noted that his decision was partly due to the workload of players returning from international competitions.
He explained: 'When you play three matches in a row, and you have international players, we must monitor the load; it is our job to prevent injuries.' The Pirates coach has repeatedly stressed the importance of careful team management, especially after several players sustained injuries following the recent FIFA World Cup.
The Buccaneers have already lost Talente Mbata and Evidens Macgopu due to serious injuries, and Apollos was also under close observation after returning from Bafana Bafana national team duties. For Waddu, Tuesday's match was an ideal opportunity to rest some regular players and assess those waiting for their chance.
'We rested Sibisi and Mbutumu. I think he had many games, so it was time to let him rest and look at other forwards,' he stated. 'It was the right time for rotation because if I hadn't done it, I don't know when I would get another chance.'
Ultimately, this decision paid off: Pirates increased their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership table to 10 points after four matches. However, Waddu now has to decide whether Sibisi and Mbutumu will return for the Saturday MTN8 playoff decider against Sekhukhune. Pirates lead this tie 1-0 after the first match, but the coach admitted after Tuesday's win that Sekhukhune were the stronger side that evening. This makes squad management even more critical as the Buccaneers prepare for another encounter with the same opponent.
