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All eyes on relegation battle

Johannesburg - Fresh off a 4-1 midweek drubbing against Orlando Pirates, Black Leopards coach Sunday Chidzambwa believes his side will produce a better result against Free State Stars this weekend as they look to escape relegation.

Log-bottom Leopards, two points below Chippa United ahead of Saturday's final round of Absa Premiership fixtures, are already assured of a relegation battle, and they must beat Stars in Bethlehem to have any chance of avoiding the automatic drop.

“I think Free State Stars and Pirates are two totally different teams,” Chidzambwa said.

“We must admit that Pirates are a better team than Free State.”

Leopards have conceded 60 goals in a dismal campaign, and they will need to tighten up at the back if they are to retain their Premiership status.

“I was discussing with the players about going to Free State and try and rectify our mistakes, which is giving away easy goals,” Chidzambwa said.

Against Pirates, Leopards did look threatening on attack and were capable of making breakthroughs, but they will need to improve on their finishing.

“We need to also try and score goals and then you never know what will happen," Chidzambwa said.

Despite retaining a slim glimmer of hope of avoiding the drop, Chidzambwa was realistic about his team's chances.

“In football, it's normal if you get relegated. If you stay it's a bonus.

“We were beaten hands down on Wednesday, and it happens in football.”

He admitted Leopards had planned for the worst ahead of their last game of the season.

“To tell you the truth, I'm not worried about being relegated. If that's going to happen then so be it.

“If we do get relegated it means we are not up to standard in the PSL. Then we will just have to admit it.”

Elsewhere on Saturday, with Kaizer Chiefs having wrapped up the league title with a game to spare, all eyes will be on the battle at the bottom of the standings.

Chippa need a victory over AmaZulu in Durban to avoid the relegation playoffs after their first season in the top-flight league.

Ajax Cape Town need a draw against Golden Arrows at Athlone Stadium to escape the relegation playoffs.

Chiefs, who are four points clear at the top of the standings, will look to further stamp their authority on the campaign when they face impressive rookies University of Pretoria in Nelspruit.

Tuks will also be eager to bag three points in an effort to finish among the top eight teams in their maiden Premiership campaign.

Pirates, one point behind second-placed Platinum Stars, face Maritzburg United at Orlando Stadium, while Stars are up against SuperSport United in Phokeng.

Mamelodi Sundowns host Wits in Atteridgeville and Moroka Swallows are at home to Bloemfontein Celtic in Dobsonville.

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