Freese hits back: "We didn’t make it easier for Pirates"

Magesi FC coach Allan Freese has justified his much-criticised decision to field a weaker team against Orlando Pirates as the Limpopo-based outfit got hit for three in their 27th game of the season.

Freese, whose side faces the real threat of relegation, made several eyebrow-raising changes to his line-up in a game where three points were as important to Magesi as they were to the title-chasing Soweto giants.

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"This is not entirely accurate (that Magesi made things a bit easier for Pirates),"said the cool-as-a-cucumber tactician, speaking to KickOff.

"While some of our top players were unavailable, we have players on loan from Pirates who are ineligible to face their parent club,”

“Additionally, injuries and suspensions due to accumulated yellow cards affected our selection.

"It was a strategic decision to either risk our players in this match or to rest them for the final two fixtures."

He further elaborated that Elvis Chipezeze was unable to play due to illness, specifically flu, which made him unfit.

Edmore Chirambadare was also rested to preserve him for upcoming matches.

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The former Platinum Stars coach acknowledged that the team performed well, citing missed chances as an ongoing challenge.

He expressed uncertainty regarding the penalty awarded to Pirates after what appeared to be a shove on Kamogelo Sebelebele.

"From television footage, I do not see my player fouling the Pirates player within the penalty area."

Magesi have two games left, with the next against Sekhukhune United away on Saturday.