Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has defended his decision to start Bongani Zungu and Sipho Mbule over Themba Zwane and Marcelo Allende against Cape Town City.
Sundowns' 11-game winning streak came to an end after a goalless draw against City and Mokwena says they are not entitled to win every game.
The Brazilians had a slow start in the second stanza and only started threatening after bringing on the likes of Themba Zwane, Aubrey Modiba, Lesiba Nku and Thapelo Maseko.
READ | Sundowns' perfect league record ended by CT City
However, the 36-year-old coach went on and defended his decision to start with players such as Bongani Zungu and Sipho Mbule, who have not been playing regularly.
"Look, I think even the starting line-up I'm happy, Zungu did the best that he can, Sipho did the best that he can, they haven't played football in a very long time, they struggled also with injuries and physically, the condition is also not at the level that we want," Mokwena told SuperSport TV.
"So they gave us 60 odd very good minutes and I'm very happy for that and then we had to change a little bit the dynamic, because also when they put (Brice) Ambina in and they strengthen the midfield, we needed a bit of legs and Modiba comes on, 'Mshishi' (Zwane) comes on as a ten, it gets a little bit more stable.
"And then you can get a few chances and then of course the line goes a little bit higher because they try to push for the result at home and then you try to use Maseko and Lesiba Nku's speed in the wide areas and in the dead zones but very proud of the effort of the players you know.
"So very proud. That's all I can say you know, we try. Every single match Mamelodi Sundowns tries to win the game, regardless of whoever is on the pitch and that's why I'm very proud of this group of players, they do things that not many teams can do.
"They show desire, respect for the badge and try. That's one thing I always ask them to do, is to try."
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