Mamelodi Sundowns set to rotate squad for CAF assignment

Sundowns hold a 4-0 advantage from the first leg ahead of Saturday’s tie at Lucas Moripe Stadium, but Mokwena is wary of putting out a lacklustre display.

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With the size of their squad, the coach wants to instead give those who’ve missed out an opportunity, hoping for a more invigorated performance.

"I think we've got a big squad, we have to use everybody, and it was one of my concerns when we re-opened and started the new season," said Mokwena.

"I listed a couple of concerns with the players, and credit to them because a lot of the things we spoke about, they've really worked on, with one of those being the level dropping once we rotate the team.

"And it wasn't only the level dropping in terms of results, but so many of the results – like against Maritzburg United, for example – were games we should have won."

Using Manchester City’s league cup defeat to Newcastle United during the week as an example, Mokwena says that’s always the risk when high profile teams rotate line-ups. 

"When I got home, the first thing I watched was Manchester City to see why or how they lost to Newcastle, and I saw the rotations – this happens even at that level," he added.

"Every single player has to perform and assist the team to get the results, and it's not easy. Manchester City is a good example of how difficult it is.

"So, you've got to give a lot of credit to the players [because] the game of football belongs to them."

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