Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena dropped for Tshwane Derby

Sundowns begin their Betway Premiership title defense against crosstown rivals SuperSport United at Loftus Stadium tonight – and the technical team has made a huge call on defender Mudau as well as midfielder Mokoena. 

The public broadcaster has been informed the duo are not injured, meaning they have simply not made the cut. 

It comes as no surprise given Mngqithi’s remarks following their 4-0 win over Mbabane Swallows in the CAF Champions League this past weekend, another fixture in which the Bafana Bafana pair were not involved. 

“To fight complacency at Sundowns the biggest advantage we have is competition. When you think you will play whenever you want to play – you will always have a problem," said Mngqithi on Saturday night.

"The other player behind you is just waiting for an opportunity – just one chance to play. It becomes difficult to take out a player that has performed well and the team is winning.

"That’s why, in a club like Sundowns, for each and every player to know the little opportunity they get…you must use it to good effect because you will be pleasantly surprised to find yourself not playing.

"But you are regarded as a top player – the one playing at that point in time is doing well, then what must we do? Must we be unfair to the youngster to accommodate you? It does not work like that.” 

Mngqithi, who has taken over from Rulani Mokwena, was sending a strong message to any player who may have dropped their standards since the change of regime at Chloorkop over the last several weeks. 

With Downs being eliminated in the MTN8 recently, the coach had also suggested the high-profile stars at the club had been below par.

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