Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has explained the surprise substitution of Tashreeq Matthews for Thembinkosi Lorch during his side's Nedbank Cup semi-final win over Stellenbosch on Sunday.
The Brazilians booked their seat in the final of the Nedbank Cup with a narrow 2-1 win over a resilient Stellies side at Danie Craven. Goals came from Khuliso Mudau and substitute Thembinkosi Lorch, while Gemino Palace pulled one back for the hosts.
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For Lorch, it was a second consecutive goal after getting on the scoresheet in the 5-1 win against Kaizer Chiefs just days prior. The former Pirates talisman now has six goals in seven matches for the Brazilians
For some sections of supporters, the change was somewhat surprising, given that Matthews has been in sterling form for his new side and netted a brace against Chiefs.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mokwena shed more light on the decision.
"I thought we were spot on with our subs today, even at half-time to introduce Lorch for Tash, and Tash was playing well but he's just come back into the rhythm and playing 90 minutes a few days is not easy for him.
"I knew if I don't make a change at half-time then I lose the opportunity for a stoppage, then I've got four subs to make with only two stoppages in a cup game and that becomes very very difficult.
"So, there were a lot of small details that we had to pay attention to and I thought today we were spot with that."
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