Rosslee will play fringe players
AmaZulu are to ring the changes for the cup tie against Thembu Royals on Wednesday even though other top flight clubs have had a difficult time against supposedly modest opposition in the first round.
Coach Craig Rosslee will be using the opportunity to give some of his fringe players a run out as Premier Soccer League survival takes top priority.
Suspension to lead striker Ayanda Dlamini also means there is opportunity for others in the game at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi against the Transkei-based side.
Dlamini’s absence allows a run out for either Sifiso Vilakazi or Bongani Ndulula, with support from Makhosonke Bhengu, who is back from injury.
Rosslee also hinted there could be a run out for the likes of midfielder Joseph Malongoane, defender Phumlani Mhamha and Namibian recruit Willem Mwedihanga.
But even if he is planning a second string team, Rosslee says his players will be aware of the potential pitfalls against unknown amateur opponents as evidenced on when
Maluti FET College eliminated Orlando Pirates
“Maluti did a fantastic job against Pirates. That result was down to underestimating the opponent. We learnt a great lesson from Maluti, which is that the biggest mistake is to believe you’ve won even before you get off the bus,” the AmaZulu coach told reporters.
“The league and the cup are two different competitions, and it’s important we stay active in the Nedbank Cup to ensure that we’re battle-ready for the league games. There’s a two week period when clubs that are knocked out will not play, so we need to avoid that. We need to keep active, so the cup is very important.
“We’ll also try a few different permutations and variations in the way we unlock the defences. The big picture is the league, but the cup adds value in terms of giving all the players an opportunity to play.”
