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Palacios to enforce drug testing at Bucs

Cape Town - Recently appointed Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Augusto Palacios says he will implement regular drug testing for players at the club.

Palacios took over on an interim basis from Muhsin Ertugral, who stepped down after the 6-1 defeat to SuperSport United in midweek.

In addition, it appears the 64-year-old is intent on taking measures to improve discipline at Mayfair.

Yet it is unclear why drug testing will be enforced, although Thandani Ntshumayelo's recent four-year ban for using cocaine seems to be involved.

Nonetheless, ahead of Pirates' Telkom Knockout quarter-final clash with Highlands Park on Saturday, Palacios has confirmed that stricter disciplinary measures will be put in place going forward.

"We had a friendly match and we are working on how we will play on Saturday in the TKO match against Highlands," he told reporters.

"I believe in discipline and today we were supposed to start at 09:00 and 99% of the players were at training by 08:15.

"I don't take nonsense from anyone. You arrive late at training then I send you home. The players can't have phones in the bus or in the change-rooms - their only focus must be the match.

"I will have regular drug tests and I don't allow smoking. We must be disciplined at all times."

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