Cape Town - Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler still believes his side can claw their way back into the Premiership title race, even though the task seems impossible.
The Soweto giants are currently 11th on the table with 16 points, 14 behind top-of-the-table Mamelodi Sundowns with a game in hand.
If they want to win the league title, Pirates have to win their remaining 17 games to reach 67 points and give themselves a mathematical shout.
But the Buccaneers have yet to beat any of the top three this season.
"Last season 13 games played we were on 17 points and this season 13 games played we are on 16 points," said a hopeful Tinkler.
"Where did we finish last season?"
Bucs finished fourth last term with even more pressure on their plate as they had to juggle playing in Africa at the same time.
They will not play in this year's CAF club competitions, allowing them to fully focus on the Premiership and the Nedbank Cup.