Benni McCarthy has revealed the reason behind Teko Modise’s absence against Golden Arrows, in addition to suggesting that he could return to face former team Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-finals.

The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns star was an unused substitute in the Citizens’ goalless draw against Arrows, leading many to question if the veteran midfielder was being rested for his former team in their MTN8 clash.

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McCarthy rejected the notion, claiming that it was a tactical decision, but suggested Teko could be in line to face Masandawana.

‘My priority is always the game that we are playing because, for me, it is important to win, to get to the first game then worry about what’s coming,’ McCarthy told the media.

‘I think if I was not forced to make the surprise change first, I think that really buggered me up because now I had to improvise and had to bring on [Riyaad] Norodien when I wanted to wait first, because of injury.

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‘That gave me two subs and as the time passed, they looked like they were waiting to pounce on the counter and I think if we could hurt them probably with the speed of Craig [Martin] and Norodien and bringing Gift [Links]. If not for the forced change, I would have had Teko in there.

‘Now we look at how we can mix things up and get Teko back in there [against Sundowns],’ he concluded.

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The two sides will do duty at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday in the first of their two-legged semi-final matches with kick-off set for 3pm.