Head coach Kwanele Kopo has explained the absence of well-travelled midfield kingpin Andile Jali during Chippa United's 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United.
The Chilli Boys collected a valuable point away from home when they played Babina Noko at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.
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Bienvenu Eva Nga had opened the scoring as early as the seventh minute, before Thabang Monare pulled one back for the hosts early in the second half.
Things got tougher for Kopo's troops when Sirgio Kammies was shown a red card just under the hour mark, but Chippa held on long enough to see the match through and grab a stalemate.
They also had to do without key player Jali, whose absence raised eyebrows, being considered of the side's key players and especially after netting a stunning goal against his former team Orlando Pirates.
However, speaking to media after the match, Kopo explained that the decision to not play the veteran was a precaution after the 34-year-old suffered a hamstring injury against Orlando Pirates.
"Yes, it was a cautious decision not to play him," confirmed the head coach.
"We didn't want to lose Andile for the [upcoming] home game. He has been struggling a little bit with his hamstring. Andile is not young. If that hamstring snaps, it's going to take a long time for him to come back."
"Andile is very influential in the team. Very experienced player, who knows exactly these kinds of situations.
"When Andile is playing, he is the coach we have on the field. Today he was not playing, he became the extra eye from the stands," Kopo added.
Meanwhile, the draw leaves the Gqeberha-based outfit in seventh spot on the log after three matches.
Their next fixture is against early-season strugglers TS Galaxy on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 15:00.