Experienced Maritzburg United midfielder, Dillon Sheppard, is looking at the positives following his half-time subbing against Kaizer Chiefs.
After the game, United coach Ernst Middendorp revealed he made the change because he felt the 34-year-old wasn’t quite up to par in the first half against the Glamour Boys.
Thabang Matuka came on in his place in the second half, however the change wasn’t enough to prevent Chiefs eventually winning the contest 2-0.
Changing a player at half time because his performance isn’t perhaps at the required level isn’t uncommon in modern football, however it’s arguably more rare when it comes to a player of Sheppard’s pedigree and experience.
Read: Sheppard On Chiefs Clash
Nonetheless, the left winger has since explained that the move was purely tactical and he fully supports the decision taken by his coach.
He told the Siya crew that he was taking what happened against Chiefs on the chin, and in the right spirit.
“It was a tactical change and I respect that. I’m there for the team. The coach made a tactical decision and I respect that. I mean I’m 34 and I’ve started 21 games in a row," he said.
He added, "At the end of the day I’m just happy to be a part of the team. The coach knows how and when to use me. He felt it was time I came off and I’m 100% behind him. I have a great relationship with him and he knows how to look after and use me, you know.”
By David Minchella
Follow David on Twitter: @DavidLaduma
