Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola insists that he will fight for his place in the team, following his impressive performance in their Caf Champions League opener.

The Buccaneers made their long-awaited return to the Champions League following their five-year absence, and managed to claim a convincing 5-1 victory over Light Stars on Wednesday.

The likes of Thabo Qalinge, Augustine Mulenga, Justin Shonga and Linda Mntambo, including Makola, all added their names to the scoresheet in the preliminary round first leg at the Orlando Stadium.

Makola insists that his confidence is growing after captaining the Buccaneers in their opening game against Light Stars.

‘To be on the scoresheet, I think is a huge morale booster for me, because I hadn’t played in a long time. I think this is just going to build up my confidence going into the next couple of games,’ Makola told the media.

Meanwhile, Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic insists that no player is guaranteed a place in the starting line-up, despite the Buccaneers dominating performance on Wednesday.

‘We shall critically look at what happened (against Light Stars) and the needs of Saturday’s game (against Maritzburg United),’ Sredojevic said.

‘We are not looking to satisfy the egos of individuals. All of us serve the badge like loyal servants and soldiers of the team.’

Orlando Pirates are set to welcome Maritzburg United to the Orlando Stadium when the two sides lock horns in the Absa Premiership on Saturday, with kick -ff set for 8:15pm.