Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has explained his decision to not start Peter Shalulile and Tashreeq Matthews against SuperSport United in the Tshwane derby.

The Brazilians extended their unbeaten run in the league to 42 games after their 1-1 draw against cross-town rivals SuperSport at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday.

Peter Shalulile and Tashreeq Matthews came on as second-half substitutes after they replaced the likes of Gaston Sirino and Thembinkosi Lorch

Mokwena has since explained his reasoning behind bringing the pair off the bench while also handing Mendieta minutes on the field.

“Thapelo deserved some minutes. Mendieta has been very well in training, he also deserved some minutes,” Mokwena told his club’s official website.

“Peter, we are trying to manage him. Tash is struggling a bit because there is Ramadan. We wanted to start him but he’s struggling a bit because of the fasting.

“We could see when he came on a litte bit…

“But they have to try, have to give their best and we’re happy with their effort.”

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