Pitso rotates players to keep Brazilians fresh

EXPECT a different-looking Mamelodi Sundowns when they begin their title defence tonight.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says he will ring the changes when the defending PSL champions take on Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium, in a match they would have preferred not to play at this stage.

Sundowns had asked the PSL to postpone tonight’s clash so the Brazilians would have enough time to prepare for the CAF Champions League semifinal against Zambian champions Zesco United in Ndola on Saturday. But their pleas fell on deaf ears.

Sundowns now have to soldier on and play Maritzburg in-between two crucial semifinals. Sundowns played to a goalless draw in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final against Chippa United over the weekend.

Mosimane desperately wants to win the Champions League. As a result the former Bafana Bafana coach will rest a number of his regulars and give a chance to players who are not registered for the continental tournament.

“I have to make changes and try to play many players who are not going to be part of the Zesco game. In terms of stature, Zesco is important. Look at the history.

“The players will give the same effort, but the output will not be the same because the players have never trained together,” he said.

One of Mosimane’s major challenges is the left-back position, where Tebogo Langerman operates. With Mzikayise Mashaba out, Langerman is the only available left-back.

But Mosimane feels Langerman is overworked, and he may look to Samuel Julies to fill in for him. Thapelo Morena, Yannick Zakri, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Lucky Mohumi, Motjeka Madisha and Anele Ncgoncga, if fit, may turn out against Maritzburg tonight.