Sundowns coach apologises to striker publicly after substitution

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rhulani Mokwena has issued a public apology to striker Pavol Safranko after he was subbed out in the 75th minute of the club’s win over Baroka FC.

Sundowns went down to ten men when Kermit Erasmus was given his marching orders in first half stoppage time and Mokwena insists that the change was a tactical one.

Mokwena apologises to Safranko after substitution

Safranko had come on for an injured Peter Shalulile in the 25th minute but with the scores still level and 15 to play, Mokwena and company brought on defender Ricardo Nascimento to replace him.

Ultimately Themba Zwane found a winner and Sundowns crossed the 40 point mark but the coach said that he was gutted to have to take Safranko off to restore Sundowns’ shape.

“We apologise to Pavol because he’s a very, very good person,” Mokwena said post-match in an interview with Supersport TV.

“He’s a gentle giant and it tore our hearts to shreds to pull him off, especially as he had come on as a substitute.

“You know that footballers really don’t like that, but being a man down with the red car compounded things.

“We, unfortunately, had to do what’s best for the club.

“It’s a pity and it’s not nice to do that to a player, we don’t like that as we love our football players but at the same time, we’ve also got a big responsibility to do what’s best for the club.”

Sundowns sitting pretty

Sundowns are the runaway leaders of the league and while several teams still lay claim to being in the title race, few would bet against the Brazilians bagging an unprecedented fifth Premier Soccer League title in a row.

The injury to Peter Shalulile and upcoming suspension for Kermit Erasmus mean that Safranko is likely to get some game time before Christmas.

Mamelodi Sundowns will host Orlando Pirates in a league clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday in their next assignment.

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