Bucs soldier’s penchant to do it with Au-gusto

WHEN a rescue plan comes together, it’s often tempting to turn it into a permanent solution. Augusto Palacios,

stepped in as Orlando Pirates coach early this month following the sudden resignation of Muhsin Ertugral after the Buccaneers had been humiliated with a 6-1 defeat by SuperSport United in an Absa Premiership clash in Nelspruit.

The two sides return to the Mbombela Stadium today ( 6pm) to face off for a place in the Telkom Knockout final on December 10, and Palacios could prove he may well be capable of being more than just an interim coach this season.

Since he was asked to take over a team clearly struggling for confidence, the Peruvian has guided Pirates to a three-game winning streak, shaking things up in the dressing room and leaving fans wondering whether club chairman Irvin Khoza still plans to appoint a long-term coach early next year after the Africa Cup of Nations recess (from December 20 to February 8).

“At the moment I am thinking about the next game, not January or February,” said Palacios.

“I have been at this club for nearly 21 years now and the chairman knows my passion for development. That is my home. But if he wants me to stay on, then I will stay on. And if he wants me to go back to the development side, then I will also go. The chairman decides. I don’t have the right to say I should stay on be-

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