Nyatama must fight for his place, says Sredojevic

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic has challenged Musa Nyatama to work hard to regain his place in the starting XI.

Nyatama was battling with an ankle injury in the earlier part of the season and has featured in only three games for the Buccaneers this term.

In his absence, Xola Mlambo and Ben Motshwari have been excelling in the engine room for the Sea Robbers, and Nyatama was not in the squad for Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Cape Town City in Orlando.

Sredojevic suggested that the reigning Absa Premiership midfielder of the 2017/18 Season is not yet 100% firing on all cylinders, but has left the door open for his return.

"Musa Nyatama is one of the midfielders fighting for a place in the team," the Serbian said.

"When we get him in the shape that everyone knows him, as player of the season last season, we shall of course use him, and he shall be a very important member of the squad."

Sredojevic also defended his selection policy this season, with one report pointing out that 24 players were used in the opening five league matches.

"I would disagree regarding the chopping and changing," he said.

"We had gone through the pre-season and it was only that match against Bloemfontein Celtic where we had five changes, but it was due to circumstances."

Pirates are next in action when they take on Baroka FC in an away match on Saturday.