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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.
