Mako stepped in for his first start since Pirates’ goalless draw against African Stars in December to pick up the man-of-the-match accolade in their 1-1 draw with Baroka on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old wingback was a livewire down the left flank as Bucs were made to sweat for the point at home to Bakgaga, who were resilient while leading the tie for all of 70 minutes.
However, the diminutive fullback was not the only change from Pirates’ previous match as Mthokozisi Dube, Marshall Munetsi, Ben Motshwari, Vincent Pule and Linda Mntambo were all drafted in to remind supporters of the wealth of options in the squad.
Sredojevic has thus assured that competition remains stiff amongst the players and no one is guaranteed to retain their places amid their jam-packed schedule that includes Absa Premiership, Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League fixtures over the next few weeks.
“There is a strong competitiveness – three players per position – in the team. There is a pecking order, where everyone is fighting and not giving one another time to relax,” said 'Micho'.
“Places are earned and deserved, and not given.
"Paseka, with Tuesday’s performance, is one who has knocked on the door of the competitive team and widened the pool, giving us so-called ‘sweet problems’ in choosing who will give us the best possible service in matches ahead.
“I want to thank him for the wonderful performance, it could be even better, and he knows it.”
