Over the past weekend, there were some interesting head-to-head league clashes that kept supporters on the edge of their seats. However, SportPesa ambassador, Doctor Khumalo has decided to focus on another aspect of the game.

The Bafana Bafana legend came out to chat about the importance of substitution as he feels that many don’t understand the significance of substitution during a game, especially when a team is trailing.  

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“How does substitution work in football and how does it affect the game? There are so many elements that a substitution contributes to the game. We all know that not all the players starting the game can play the entire game. Substitutions depend on the team manager, which is the coach, and that’s the only person with the prerogative to do substitutions.

“Subs depend on the situation as, sometimes, you need a player who can come in and change the complexion of the game by either attacking or defending. You only have three substitutions per game, which is why no coach wants to see a forced substitution, as it affects their plans.

“Unfortunately, even if your goalkeeper gets injured, having used all three substitutions, you’re not going to be able to bring another goalkeeper on. You have to sacrifice a position. A player gets red-carded and you’ve already used up your substitutions and you’re going to have to make do with what you have on the field.”

To read Doctor’s previous column click here

To read on more of Khumalo’s explanation on the topic, check out this week’s edition of Soccer Laduma, issue 1091.

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