ORLANDO Pirates caretaker coach Augusto Palacios says there was nothing untoward in his kneeling down and touching the ground with his forehead in celebrating a goal.
Palacios went to the ground soon after captain Lucky Lekgwathi scored a scorcher to help Pirates beat SuperSport United 2-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday night.
The celebrations have resulted in some soccer followers trying to establish whether the former Peru World Cup player has converted to Islam.
"I grew up in a Christian family and we are Catholics at home," said Palacios, who is close to winning his first league title since arriving in South Africa in 1985.
"When Lucky scored, I just went down to say thank you God for the goal, and prayed for a win, which eventually came. Even when I was still a player, I always prayed before and after the match, even after a goal was scored.
"I also taught my children to believe in God and pray even if things are going right for them. I believe in Him to help me lead Pirates to the land of milk and honey by winning the league," he said.
Palacios, who has also coached Bafana Bafana, first came to South Africa with compatriot Sergio Novoa to play for Witbank Black Aces.
"I have won many titles both as a player and coach here in South Africa, but the league has been eluding me," said Palacios.
"(But) I can see the light at the end of the tunnel."
Palacios hasn't converted
ORLANDO Pirates caretaker coach Augusto Palacios says there was nothing untoward in his kneeling down and touching the ground with his forehead in celebrating a goal.
Palacios went to the ground soon after captain Lucky Lekgwathi scored a scorcher to help Pirates beat SuperSport United 2-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday night.
The celebrations have resulted in some soccer followers trying to establish whether the former Peru World Cup player has converted to Islam.
"I grew up in a Christian family and we are Catholics at home," said Palacios, who is close to winning his first league title since arriving in South Africa in 1985.
"When Lucky scored, I just went down to say thank you God for the goal, and prayed for a win, which eventually came. Even when I was still a player, I always prayed before and after the match, even after a goal was scored.
"I also taught my children to believe in God and pray even if things are going right for them. I believe in Him to help me lead Pirates to the land of milk and honey by winning the league," he said.
Palacios, who has also coached Bafana Bafana, first came to South Africa with compatriot Sergio Novoa to play for Witbank Black Aces.
"I have won many titles both as a player and coach here in South Africa, but the league has been eluding me," said Palacios.
"(But) I can see the light at the end of the tunnel."
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