Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained decision to introduce Themba Zwane, Tashreeq Matthews and Aubrey Modiba in the second half against SuperSport United.
Although Sundowns created some chances, they had a quiet first stanza and only came to life after the hour-mark, following goals by Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
Mngqithi says they need to improve their finishing.
READ | Sundowns claim bragging rights in Tshwane Derby
"That's one area of our game that must still improve, I think we're not ruthless enough, we create very good chances and for whatever reason, this pitch today was very slippery and we lost good opportunities from very good moments," Mngqithi said on SuperSport TV.
"But we're hoping that the team will improve because we must start converting those chances that we create," he said.
It was not until Themba Zwane, Tashreeq Matthews and Aubrey Modiba were introduced after the hour-mark, that Sundowns started to create much clearer chances and the former Golden Arrows mentor explained the thinking behind the changes.
"The plan was to try and play a more creative game in the second-half, because we could see the space that we're getting in the midfield, we were losing the ball too cheap, that's why we had to go for more creative players in Aubrey [Modiba], Mshishi [Zwane], Tash [Matthews] and [Thembinkosi] Lorch, because we wanted players who were a little bit mobile to help us to play," Mngqithi said.
However, the 53-year-old mentor suggested they would not be carried away by the victory and explained what he was not happy about.
"They have not arrived, we still have a long way to go. I'm still not happy with the number of balls that we lose, unopposed, without any pressure. I'm still not happy with the speed of the ball, to try and get us into the right positions," Mngqithi went on.
"But I'm happy with the fact that the team is creating a lot of opportunities, which is one thing I've always wanted to achieve and I'm very excited with the boys and I think they are coming alright," the 53-year-old tactician added.