Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane insists that Andile Jali understands why Sammy Seabi was picked ahead of him against Bloemfontein Celtic on Wednesday.

Jali was one of Sundowns’ standout performers during their 4-0 victory over Congolese outfit Otoho d’Oyo in the Champions League second leg preliminary-round match on Saturday.

However, Mosimane opted against starting the Bafana Bafana midfielder and fielded Seabi during their 2-1 victory over Celtic in the Absa Premiership, although Jali did make an appearance as a second-half substitution for Sibusiso VIlakazi.

‘For us not to play Andile tonight, you ask yourself why because he did well, but he understands that we need Seabi tactically and Seabi is not registered for Caf,’ Mosimane said post-match.

‘[Hlompho] Kekana was unbelievable, him and Seabi. And this is why we buy Seabi, to keep the midfield intact, to cut all these small balls, to make sure the balls are not going through.’

The Sundowns mentor also reserved special praise for full back Anele Ngcongca, who replace Thapelo Morena at right back.

‘Anele is a professional, he is unbelievable. He stabilises us. He does not do too much and you don’t see him much, but he is experienced. The way he covers [Motjeka] Madisha is unbelievable,’ he added.