Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has shared the importance of being versatile to improve skills and performance as a modern day football.

Mokwena has deployed many players in various positions this past season including the likes of Thapelo Morena, Themba Zwane Aubrey Modiba and Rivaldo Coetzee.

His decision to find new positions for players has worked in his favour as his side went on to secure their sixth straight DStv Premiership title.

The Masandawana coach went on to explain how important it is for the player’s growth and development to have versatility in the game.

“We want to play faster and when you want to play faster, there’s going to be more chaos than order. Because of pressure, one might be found pressing in a position that is much further than their original position,” Mokwena told his club’s official website.

“So, because I moved far from that position when we lose the ball, a player like Aubrey Modiba must defend in the Midfield and defend as a left back.

“When training and we introduced sessions where we have players play different roles and have a feeling of what other players in different positions go through.

“I agree that versatility in the modern game is important. With this, players need to be comfortable on the pitch and still be dominant in the game against the opposition.

“It’s also crucial for the players to trust the Coach because they only trust you when you show that you can be trusted as a leader. The Coach then has the responsibility to ensure that he earns the trust of the players.”

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