Bafana Bafana international Khoza relegated by Sundowns to DDC! But why?

South Africa international and Mamelodi Sundowns versatile defender Malibongwe Khoza was part of the club’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) team that played in a recent assignment.

The junior team played their counterparts from Golden Arrows on Sunday at the Seshego Stadium, a game Masandawana lost 3-2 despite the 21-year-old featuring for the entire 90 minutes.

It wasn’t a welcome result for the Brazilians who are trailing Orlando Pirates by five points after 19 games. The Soweto giants, who have been doing well in the ongoing edition, have managed to collect 44 games, explaining why they will be hoping to go all the way.

There were questions about Khoza playing for the junior outfit, but coach Tiro van Rooyen has explained the situation.

Why was Khoza playing for the DDC team?

“Honestly, we have a lot of injuries in the center back position. There have been many contact injuries, and the players have played a lot of football,” Van Rooyen said as quoted by FARPost.

“So, obviously, a few niggles will arise, and if you are not ready to play, we have many resources at the club to help them.

“Malibongwe had to come in to help us, and he was very important there at the back with the other young players,” the tactician concluded.

On Wednesday, Sundowns make a trip to the Orlando Amstel Arena to play Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League assignment. There are high chances that coach Miguel Cardoso will stick with Khulumani Ndamane and Grant Kekana at the heart of the club’s defense.

A win for the hosts will open the gap between the two teams to nine.