Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has set the record straight on rumours of a possible exit for midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise and striker Peter Shalulile.
Recent reports had suggested that Masandawana academy graduate is set for a positive move to the Algerian side CR Belouizdad while it was reported that Sundowns are also open to listening to offers for Shalulile.
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It was surprising then when Mkhulise was named in the starting lineup for The Brazilians in a 4-0 hammering of Lamontville Golden Arrows.
Those rumours also gained more steam when the midfielder was surprisingly substituted off with just 37 minutes played. He was replaced by Shalulile who came on to score a brace.
However, speaking at the post-match press conference, Cardoso cleared the air for the early subsisting and rumours of an exit.
"Any moment a player goes out, it doesn't mean you are bad in the match; it's just a tactical approach. The values of the team come before the individual values; that's how I approach it," Cardoso explained when asked about Mkhulise's substitution.
"But yes, at half-time, I did speak to Pitso (Mkhulise) and told him that you came out not because you are playing bad but because we needed to approach the game in a different way.
"If I knew that the approach from the opponents would be one that was set on the pitch, I probably would have started the game in a different way.
"By the way, I can make it clear and take it even in my own hands because this week, I spoke to the team so that we are clear that and we close that; there are no issues regarding Pitso or a transfer on him.
"Pitso is a player at the club, we like him so much, we trust him, and he has been playing in the team.
"So finish that so that we don't speak about it anymore.
"Also because there were reports about Peter, there's nothing, nothing!
"What was done in the market by the club was clearly done in the best interest of the club and the players, because many movements were not only our intention but also from the appeals we received from the players.
"That's how the market should work and how a club should work."
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The win against Arrows maintains Sundowns' lead at the top of the table to six points and they return to action on Wednesday night when they take on SuperSport United at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
Kick-off is at 19:30.