Pirates coach unpacks Mhango's continued absence: 'There are various aspects you look at'

Orlando Pirates co-coach Fadlu Davids remained coy on the continued absence of Gabadinho Mhango from the Buccaneers' starting eleven.

The Malawian did well at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, where he netted three goals at the global tournament.

However, since his return to South African shores, the forward has struggled to break into the Pirates squad.

Speaking to the media ahead of Pirates' Nedbank Cup Round of 16 encounter against Marumo Gallants, Davids hinted that there are "various aspects" to selecting a team.

"I don't think it is fair to talk about Mhango again in relation to our other strikers. We must also talk about Zakhele Lepasa, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Boitumelo Radiopane and Kwame Peprah," Davids said. 

"Peprah scored in the last match, and it's healthy competition. Mhango, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Rapiopane are all working hard to get into the starting lineup.

"We have six strikers available and need to try and find a way to make things work according to chemistry and gameplay."

Davids added: "In relation to team selection, there are various aspects you look at - first and foremost, number one, are you coming to training? Are you punctual in relation to being at training? - not having disciplinary issues that take you out of selection.

"Then, in relation to your performance in training, your performance as to how you exert yourself in training, we look at how you are performing on training and then try to find the right balance to the lineup.

"Each player has a role to play, and it is about us trying to find that moment in the chemistry, whether it is with two strikers or one striker, but we also need all our players to chip in."

Pirates will travel to the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday for the crucial