‘Sox’ last featured for Bucs in the Carling Black Label Cup against Kaizer Chiefs on July 27 and has not played since – let alone being on the bench.
De Sa says the winger, who has just signed a new contract with the club, missed a lot of training sessions during protracted negotiations for a new deal.
The coach insists he had to reward the players that are showing dedication to the club.
“Look, Segolela firstly had a contract dispute that was eventually sorting out before he signed. So he missed a lot of training sessions during that time,” De Sa tells snl24.com/kickoff.
“Other guys have done better than him and are a little ahead of him. ‘Juju’ [Thulasizwe Mbuyane] he has really put it in, he has worked hard. He has been at training on time, he has not missed a session. Segolela had to miss a few sessions because of contractual disputes and things like that.
“So we have to go with discipline and play the guys that are giving it all.”
The coach was quick to add that Segolela is still part of his plans, particularly for the CAF Champions League.
“He is registered for CAF, he will get his turn.”