Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou's decision on Sipho Mbule is a 'worrying factor' ahead of the MTN8 clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, according to a former striker of the side.
Ouaddou raised eyebrows, dropping Sipho Mbule and Relebohile Mofokeng to the bench in their midweek defeat to Marumo Gallants, presumably to keep them fresh for Sundowns on Saturday's MTN8 first leg semi-final.
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Mbule was an unused substitute, while Mofokeng was limited to 30-odd minutes.
The decision to rest key players at this stage of the season could seem strange, with the Tshwane giants keeping their big-name players - such as Teboho Mokoena, Iqraam Rayners, and Marcelo Allende - in back-to-back line-ups against Chippa United and AmaZulu FC.
With Bucs under pressure to find a response, Mofokeng and Mbule could find the weekend's showdown demanding, with Lehlohonolo Majoro questioning Ouaddou's decision.
"There is huge expectations at Pirates, especially with new signings. The performance they gave in the MTN8 gave people that hope, that, 'Hey we're still going to continue where we left off'," Majoro said on 947's MSW.
"To see them losing twice brings that doubt. I saw a couple of changes in the starting line-up that was a worrying factor, because I mean, it's the beginning of the season, the energy levels of players who delivered are still high.
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Mofokeng started every league game last terms and missed only two matches due to suspension and injury.
Mbule, meanwhile, will be up against his former team for the first time since leaving them.