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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi defends rotation policy

Mngqithi took the reins of the Brazilians this season and has overseen a strong start to their 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign. They did, however, drop points in a shock 1-0 defeat to Polokwane City, having rotated his team, by making as many as nine changes. Sundowns have since won their last three games in all competitions, including a 2-0 victory over Rise and Shine in the league on Wednesday. Defending his policy, Mngqithi said in the Citizen: "I'm the one who came up with this idea of trying to make sure that we keep our team as fresh as possible so that we don't have tired legs when we get into games of consequences. "I trust the players that we have and I believe they are good enough, in as much. We lost the match in Polokwane but I just think it’s one of those accidents that happen in football. "That's why I'm prepared to take a bullet to give a chance for these players to play because I believe it will help the team. We can't have so many good players and not play them." Mngqithi added: "To many of you, I know it's a risk but the players we have at Sundowns are good enough." Downs are next in action against Marumo Gallants in the semi-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup on Sunday.