Abdeslam Ouaddou cites rotation as the reason he dropped Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosinathi Sibisi last night

The absence of Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosinathi Sibisi in Orlando Pirates' stating line up last night against Sekhukune United caught many by surprise.

Mbuthuma has been under pressure from the club's supporters for missing glaring chances and this has impacted his play negatively.

HIs absence was viewed as one which the coach was giving the player a break from the supporters while it was not clear why Sibisi was missing .

But Pirates coach said it was none of the above only citing rotation as the sole reason the duo was not fielded.

"I think when we are playing three games in a row like that, I already spoke about this case. We have international players,” said Ouaddou.

“We have to be careful about the load. It’s our job to anticipate possible injuries. So, of course, we rest Sibisi.

“Mbuthuma, I think he had a lot of game time. It was the moment as well to give him some rest and to see the other strikers as well. It’s very important.

“It was the right moment to make the rotation. If I don’t do it at that moment, I don’t know where else I would be able to do it.

“But like I said, it was an opportunity for some players to show. And we give the chances to everybody.”