Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has apologised to substitute Pavol Safranko after he was taken off during their 2-1 victory over Baroka FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Brazilians extended their unbeaten run to 16 games in the DStv Premiership following their win over Bakgaga through goals from Rivaldo Coetzee and Themba Zwane, although they finished the game with 10 men after Kermit Erasmus copped two quick yellow cards just before half time, resulting in a red card.

Slovakian striker Safranko was introduced as an early substitution in the 25th minute for the injured Peter Shalulile before being substituted in the 75th minute for Ricardo Nascimento.

Mokwena has now apologised to the lanky striker for taking him off while admitting “it tore their hearts to shreds” seeing him go off in the second half after he was introduced off the bench in the first.

“We apologise to Pavol because he’s a very, very good person,” Mokwena told media post-match.

“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 card 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.”