Mamelodi Sundowns has responded to talk on captain Themba Zwane not starting matches, after the Bafana Bafana star came off the bench to make a big impact in the 2-0 Tshwane derby victory over SuperSport United.
Zwane, who has started one of Sundowns' five matches in all competitions thus far, came off the bench and made an immediate impact with an assist for the opening goal, which was netted by new signing Iqraam Rayners.
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The 34-year-old also made a big impact when he came off the bench in the MTN8 quarterfinal match against Polokwane City, which Sundowns won in extra-time.
At national team level, Zwane has been starting matches, but many could argue that Bafana Bafana matches do not come as regularly as the ones at Sundowns, which is why the technical team is managing him.
After the victory over SuperSport at Loftus on Tuesday evening, Mngqithi explained that there are no problems with the experienced midfielders, making it clear that it's important to manage the load with more competitions coming.
"It's a very good question. I don't think there is a problem. Is there any thoughts that there is a problem? Because we have to periodize our most important players. We've got six competitions to play in and it is very important for us to make sure we don't burn our 34-year-old early in the season. It's important and it's something that you look at as a problem. But there is no problem," Mngqithi said during the post-match press conference at Loftus.
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"He understands how many games we are going to play this season and if we go for 90 minutes with Themba every match at 34, how far will he go this season? For me, in our periodization, I think it's important that we take care of Sundowns, not your wishes and aspirations."
Sundowns' next PSL match will be at home to Marumo Gallants next Tuesday.
