Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has responded to questions on whether he has learned a harsh lesson from benching Themba Zwane, ahead of the do-or-die MTN8 semi-final second-leg clash against Stellenbosch FC.
Prior to the start of the season, it appeared as if Zwane may no longer play a big role at Sundowns, after his contract was renewed by only a year.
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The club's supporters criticized the decision, given the on-field influence 'Mshishi' has had over the years he has been at the club.
The impact he makes in the Sundowns team has never been in question even under previous coach Rulani Mokwena and extending to Bafana Bafana duty.
However, it has become a little clear that under Mngqithi, Zwane may have to settle for appearances off the bench, after he did not start in the MTN8 quarter-final match against Polokwane City and was only introduced on the hour-mark.
After trailing against Stellies in the semi-final second leg, The Brazilians did not look like they could comeback until the veteran was brought on, in the 73rd minute.
He changed the complexion of the game, after which they created at least three big chances that, on another day, would have won them the game.
Following the 1-0 defeat, there are calls for Zwane to start in the second leg.
However, Mngqithi could not give guarantees.
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"I will be going ahead of myself if I already start to think about the line-up for the next match when we still have so many training sessions to see what we can get," Mngqithi said, in the post-match press conference.
"Because the strategy will have to be different and it's a game where one goal is not enough and it's a game where I believe we'll be a completely different team."