Keeper Tome Pacovski has expressed discontent and surprise at being left on the bench for the first game.

In an interview with a Belgian newspaper, the 29 year old Pacovski stated he was surprised and extremely disappointed to be left on the bench in the first game of the season behind starter Kristof Maes.  He further added that he expected to start as he has fully recovered from his injury and has performed well during training.  Keep in mind that Pacovski missed a large chunk of last season due to a double leg fracture sustained early in the season.  Beerschot lost the first game 3:1 away to the defending Belgian champions Genk.

To make matters worse, highly rated keeper Thomas Kaminski is soon expected to return from his injury so Pacovski may also lose his place on the bench.  Kaminski is one of the best young keepers in Belgium and has drawn interest from top clubs across Europe.  Kaminski, once healthy, should take over as the starter and then the Beershot manager will decide whether Maes or Pacovski will be on the bench as the #2 keeper.  This is the last year on his contract with the Belgian club.

Pacovski is not liked by the Beerschot fans.  Last year, when he started a game late in the season following his lengthy injury, he was booed for his performance as the fans have never been convinced of his qualities.  Although Pacovski has not played much for the past several months, interim manager Boban Babunski called him up to the Macedonian national team for the friendly against Azerbaijan on 10 August 2011.  Pacovski used to be the preferred starter on the national team but following his serious injury, Edin Nuredinoski and Martin Bogatinov were both given a chance but neither player has cemented their place and it remains to be seen who Babunski plans to start in the Azerbaijan friendly.  Pacovski has made 19 appearances for the senior national team.