Mngqithi justifies excluding Mudau & Co. from Mamelodi Sundowns' XI vs Maniema - 'They had some knuckling issues'

On Tuesday night, defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw by AS Maniema Union in Group B of the Caf Champions League.

It was not a welcome result for the Masandawana faithful who had seen their team lose the Carling Knockout trophy after a 2-1 loss against Magesi FC.

Mngqithi made some changes ahead of the match against the Congolese outfit.

Khuliso Mudau, who was criticised after the Carling Knockout loss, was dropped alongside Bathusi Aubaas, Aubrey Modiba, Peter Shalulile, and Mothobi Mvala.

In-form striker Iqraam Rayners was also kept out of the game owing to injury.

The Brazilians' coach has now explained the reasons behind his decision.

“I think we gave a very good account of ourselves," the 53-year-old former Golden Arrows coach told the media.

"It was not easy from making the line-up, the tactics, and everything else in trying to prepare for this game because, one, we did not have time, two, most of our players were loaded.

"Physically, we felt we might end up having injuries. So, it’s a win for us that we did not get injuries because that means we still have our full squad," Mngqithi continued.

“Otherwise, we had a lot of players that could not take part in this match because they had some knuckling issues.

"Some with quads, some with hamstrings, some with groins. “We had to try and juggle around and start a team that we felt was mobile enough to cause problems to this team.”

Mngqithi will be playing against another unpredictable side, Sekhukhune United, this weekend in the Premier Soccer League outing.

The tactician has to ensure his players rise to the occasion or else he will risk losing his job, especially after poor MTN8 outings and recent unfavourable results.