Orlando Pirates coach Rhulani Mokwena insists that Justin Shonga will have to be competitive if he is to re-establish himself in the Buccaneers first team.

The Zambian forward has been forced to play second fiddle to in-form striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, who has already managed to score four goals in seven appearances.

Shonga made his fifth appearance for the Buccaneers since August when he came out as a second-half substitute to play the remaining 24 minutes during their 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC in the Telkom Knockout Cup over the weekend.

However, Mokwena believes that the 22-year-old will fight his way back to becoming Pirates’ first-choice striker.

‘It was good to see him on the pitch and in Buccaneers’ colours,’ Mokwena told the media.

‘Slowly but surely he is also fighting to get his place back in the team.

‘And that is all you ask of a player. You ask them to be competitive and contribute.’

Orlando Pirates will next take on Stellenbosch FC in the Absa Premiership at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 3:30pm.