PSL
Igesund: Bucs under pressure
2012-05-15 14:34
Johannesburg - The pressure will be piled on log
leaders Orlando Pirates when the Premiership race comes down to the wire
this weekend, according to Moroka Swallows coach Gordon Igesund.
The
Buccaneers hold a two-point advantage at the top of the standings, with
only Swallows in with a chance of toppling the title holders.
“I think, personally, there's a lot more pressure on Pirates,” Igesund said on Tuesday.
“Everybody expects Pirates to win the league. They've got the best team in the league.
"We're just happy to be where we are, to be able to go out and maybe snatch it from them.”
Pirates
stand-in coach Augusto Palacios, however, brushed off Igesund's
comments, claiming his counterpart was trying to play mind games.
“Gordon uses psychology. Gordon needs it,” Palacios said.
“He's saying that and that's his opinion, but he also wants to win.
"For
me it's simple. I have quality players. I have the best players in the
country and if Daine Klate is injured I have another one.
"If Lucky [Lekgwathi] is injured, I have another one.”
“For me, I don't put pressure on the players. Today(Tuesday) we trained with music.
"The guys wanted music while they trained, so we played music.”
If
Pirates beat Golden Arrows in Durban, they will successfully defend the
championship crown, but if they lose, the Birds can secure their maiden
league title of the professional era with a draw or a win against
Maritzburg United in Pietermaritzburg.
“We can't be too concerned about what's going to happen between Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows," Igesund said.
“Whether we finish second or third, people will remember Swallows for their performance this season.”
Igesund
insisted they would not underestimate Maritzburg, who are in the bottom
half of the table, as Swallows look to complete a remarkable turaround
after finishing 13th last season.
“Maritzburg are a very good side," he said.