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Pirates coach Augusto Palacios insists that nobody at the Mayfair
based-outfit is guaranteed a starting berth, even if they play for their
national team.
Palacios was asked about the unavailability of defender Abbubaker Mobara, who is yet to feature under the coach, and the former Pirates head of development maintained that he would stick to his philosophy of performance-versus-reputation when selecting players.
"Coaches are different. Remember we have 28 or 29 players," he told TMG Sport.
"I have a philosophy which is very clear. If a player in the team is performing. I will not remove him.
"But it depends on the opponents - the system on the field and on the scoreline in a game.
"Mobara, Riyaad Norodien - everybody is welcome in the team," he continued.
Palacios has won three of the five games he's been in charge, with the 64-year-old maintaining a consistent starting eleven.
This has resulted in the likes of Mobara, Norodien and Thamsanqa Gabuza being sidelined, but the Pirates interim boss is confident that everybody will get their chance.
"You can’t decide that this is my position because I am in Bafana Bafana, or the U-23s or I play for my country’s national team," he added.
"No - here it’s about competition. No matter who, no matter the name, no matter where you come from.
"And this is what I play. I will never change this philosophy because when I was a player I grew and learnt in the same way.
"Mobara, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Thabo Qalinge - everyone will have their time.
"I will see which pieces to move, depending on the opposition, the game and the results. And also on the performances of the individual," he concluded.
The Buccaneers next host Highlands Park at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday where they will be hoping to secure all three points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Baroka FC.
Kick off is at 20:15.
