Roger De Sa has explained Cape Town City's decision regarding the starting lineup during last weekend's goalless draw against Orbit College in the ongoing relegation/promotion play-offs.
Orbit currently sit top of standings in the mini-league with two points after two matches played, while Cape Town City and Casric Stars have a point apiece with both having played one game so far.
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The Citizens surprised many by starting almost all their experienced players on the bench for the match that ended 0-0 at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
De Sa attributed the poor result to forced changes in the line-up.
"Yes, the start was unexpected," he admits, speaking to KickOff.com.
"It was always going to be difficult with all the changes in the team, especially due to injuries and suspensions.
"Most of our regular players began the match on the bench because they have been injured for an extended period.
"They only returned to training on Wednesday or Thursday. For now, the plan is to get them all back, and hopefully they will play in the next match.
"Of course, we still have a chance to retain our place in the PSL (topflight), but it was always going to be a difficult four games.
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"On Saturday, we were unlucky, but we also got lucky at the end. We should have won at the beginning, but they also had some good chances towards the end," explained the veteran coach, now occupying the assistant coach seat at the club.
They next face Casric Stars at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium at 15:00.
