Ahead of the DStv Premiership Tshwane derby, Mamelodi Sundowns tactician Rulani Mokwena has revealed why he is skeptical about constantly rotating his star-studded squad.
Mamelodi Sundowns are beset with an unforgiving fixture schedule which has seen them playing in all domestic competitions as well as continental championships, the CAF Champions League and the African Football league.
Locally, they will have to play catch up as they have five games in hand, with the Tshwane derby marking their return to domestic competitions in two months.
Although, his men have had to dig deep to last the distance in their conjested fixture schedule, Mokwena is not sure if rotating and resting his trusted lieutenant is the ‘right thing’ to do.
WHY MOKWENA IS SKEPTICAL ABOUT ROTATING PLAYERS
“There are three things I spoke to the team about and one of them was rotation. I’m not so sure whether rotation is the right thing at big clubs because of cohesion, chemistry and fluidity.
“When we dropped points when we dropped points when we rotated a lot. spoke to the players that if we have a squad of 36 players then all 36 must contribute.
“Last season we had 36 players and we used only 35 and only one didn’t get game time. The reality is that if we are going to have a squad like this, then people have to play because they are contributing to the success of the team,’he said.
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EMPHASIS ON MERIT INSPIRED TEAM SELECTION
The youthful gaffer emphasized his belief in team selection that is inspired by meritocracy. Rulani Mokwena said every player must seriously fight for their place in the team.
“Football is a game that is based on meritocracy. You have to earn the right to play so it’s a very difficult situation that we find ourselves in.
“So I’m happy that when we find ourselves in situations like these, we don’t drop the standard. The only way you can do this is by preparing well and working hard to make sure that the team improves.
“So we pay attention to every small detail and we go game by game and recover. The players have to rest because it’s not easy.
“We go for SuperSport United. It’s going to be a very difficult game against a very difficult side but first thing’s first, it’s about recovery and focusing on the next one,” Mokwena added.