Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Lebohang Maboe and defender Mosa Lebusa have expressed their support for coach Manqoba Mngqithi’s squad rotation policy that has often raised a few eyebrows this season. 

The Brazilians underwent a massive overhaul in their backroom staff following the unexpected departure of Rulani Mokwena shortly after the 37-year-old tactician secured the club’s record-extending seventh consecutive league title. 

In a bid to do damage control, the Chloorkop-based outfit promoted long-serving Mngqithi as the head of the new-look technical team comprising returnee Steve Komphela and Romain Folz who has coached Marumo Gallants and Amazulu in the PSL. 

The former Golden Arrows mentor immediately implemented a new selection policy which saw a refreshed starting XI each game instead of sticking with the strongest line-up, Maboe backs the decision as he believes it aligns perfectly with Masandawana’s lofty ambitions. 

“I think this season knowing that we are going to the Club World Cup next year, the coach wants to give everyone a chance to be on the field of play to show their qualities. It’s all in our hands to take that opportunity to showcase our talent as well, ” said the Downs attacker. 

“As I said before, if you ask any footballer where they enjoy being, they’ll say on the field of play so having that opportunity and being able to express your talent, I mean what more can you ask for than being on the field of play.” 

Although Lebusa shares the same sentiments as his teammate, he has some reservations about the policy, stating that the constant change of personnel can disrupt the team’s momentum and cohesion. 

“I think it’s a blessing and a curse at the same time because sometimes when so many changes happen you feel like the team is losing a bit of cohesion, ” the 32-year-old center-back stated. 

But the former Ajax Cape Town player, who joined the Tshwane giants at the beginning of the 2018/19 campaign, has made an honest admission that everyone in the star-studded squad is fortunate to get an opportunity to stake their claim in the team with the new policy. 

“But as a player, those are the moments where you have to raise your hand and show the coach that he can trust you anytime. So, I think we are very fortunate in that aspect, we have to just take it [the opportunity] with both hands and run away with it, ” Lebusa acknowledged. 

So far this season, Lebusa has featured 10 times across all competitions with one goal in the CAF Champions League, while his counterpart Maboe has made seven appearances for Mngqithi’s side that are eyeing Carling Knockout Cup glory against Magesi FC on Saturday.