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Pretoria - Following a fourth successive Premiership draw on Saturday, Pitso Mosimane says a lack of consistency has forced his hand in making regular changes to the Mamelodi Sundowns starting line-up.
The Brazilians held log-leading Kaizer Chiefs to a 1-1 stalemate at FNB Stadium after George Lebese cancelled out Teko Modise's stunning second-half curler.
Mosimane made five changes from the team that was knocked out of the Telkom Knockout two weeks ago, naming a 14th unique starting line-up in 15 games this season.
"I've been changing a lot because we haven't been getting results. When we get results, I keep it constant," Mosimane said.
"When we went 10 games in a row last season and we were getting the results, I think we were bored of the Sundowns line-up. It was the same every game."
The defending champions were still trying to find their winning combination, he said.
"This season, when we won three in a row [against AmaZulu, Bloemfontein Celtic and Polokwane City] we kept it the same.
"Once you don’t convert chances and you don’t score goals, you can’t keep it the same. You have to change and give other guys a chance."
A disappointed Mosimane put the draw down to a single squandered opportunity when his team were leading 1-0.
Cuthbert Malajila missed a golden opportunity to stretch the lead to two, but flashed high of the crossbar when he looked favourite to score.
"If he had kept his emotions there, one-on-one with the goalkeeper, we could have sealed it in that space because it was the right time to score the second one. We don’t convert as much as we create.
"We didn't create many today, it was only two. Even Teko's goal, I thought it was only a half-chance. He's brilliant, he showed class and composure."
Having entered the game looking to reduce Chiefs' lead on the table summit, Mosimane praised counterpart Stuart Baxter.
"I would like to have a 12-point gap also. I admire that, the coach has done exceptional work.
"I would like to be you coach Baxter and then I can afford a draw and I can smile. I'm huffing and puffing a little bit but it's okay."
Sundowns have amassed 17 points from 11 matches, while Chiefs remain in control at the top of the table with 29 points -- having dropped just four points this season.
