Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa has explained his decision not to use Chipolopolo striker Collins Mbesuma in Saturday’s CAF Champions League clash against AC Leopards that ended goalless in Johannesburg.
Pirates’ draw with Leopards of Congo appears to be a setback to the South African club’s hopes in the group phase.
De Sa suggested that Mbesuma was not fit to be in the starting line-up going by his output in training prior to the match at Orlando Stadium.
“We go by what we see in training, the training matches and not what name is on the back of the jersey,” he told reporters, who asked about the absence of Mbesuma from the Pirates line-up.
“Mbesuma is not in good shape. If you have seen the training sessions and the friendly games you would understand,” De Sa added.
The coach preferred new signee Lennox Bacela up-front in place of Mbesuma.
The burly striker featured in Zambia’s June back-to-back 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Sudan and Lesotho and netted one goal.
let hm go to another club where he can valued.
He does not want him in tip top form when Zambia meet Ghana.
One can also argue that maybe he want him injury free for Zambia vs Ghana? 🙂 Just a different view point….not necessarily right or wrong.
Mbesuma has a tendency to over indulge during holidays although he is Pirates’ top scorer in this competition
I’m sure he’s trying to settle some score with Zambia, hence hates Zambian players. He’s not happy bafana bafana were shot by chipolopolo bullets in COSAFA.
He is a jealous coach, to hell