‘Well-rested’ big guns to return?

Since the win against Chiefs, where the Brazilians were not at their best and looked quite fatigued, Mokwena has acted decisively to try to regain freshness. Despite the coach being very vocal about the need for cohesion and it being his side’s biggest strength, he has rotated heavily over the last two fixtures. For the midweek win against TS Galaxy, there were eight changes to the starting XI from the win against Amakhosi. Only Grant Kekana, Zwane and Shalulile kept their places.

For the Sekhukhune match, the coach decided not to make too many changes and kept eight of the XI from the win against the Rockets. Kekana and Zwane served suspensions, so will be recharged for the Pirates tie. Modiba, Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena were all rested, partly due to being on three yellow cards. Williams was also given another breather after playing every single minute this season. That has allowed Denis Onyango to get some match sharpness in case he is needed during the CAF Champions League group stage.

You would expect to see all of Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Mokoena and Zwane come back into the starting line-up for this match, whilst Mvala could also earn a recall with Rushine De Reuck suffering from concussion. Marcelo Allende’s suspension for a red card means he can’t continue in the role on the right of the midfield diamond from where he has excelled. Mokwena would therefore need to either use the in-form Sphelele Mkhulise on that side, or push Mokoena a little wider with Andile Jali anchoring midfield again.