Former Moroka Swallows coach Zeca Marques has backed one of the Motsepe Foundation Championship sides to win the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs this season.
Contrary to popular belief, Marques says Baroka FC and University of Pretoria have a better chance of winning the play-offs compared to DStv Premiership strugglers Richards Bay FC.
The three sides will battle it out for the number out spot in a three-team mini-league set to commence on Sunday, where each team plays against each of the two other sides home and away.
AmaTuks and Bakgaga face each other in the opening match at Tuks Stadium on Sunday at 15:00.
"Play-offs are always tricky, it depends who is more motivated to go up," reveals Marques.
"Sometimes not having outright promotion hurts the players.
"I think Tuks will be the stronger team in these play- offs. I saw Baroka, they are not bad, but Tuks they play direct, so they put you under pressure constantly.
"Technically, teams like Richards Bay have gone all season losing, while the NFD teams have gone the majority of the season winning.
'It's a different mentality," adds the man fondly known as 'Lollipop'.
Marques explains that games of this nature about who has more to lose, and in this case, believes the Natal Rich Boyz have more to lose.
"They're gonna get relegated.
"It changes the salaries, it changes everything. It's like driving a Rolls Royce, and the next minute you are driving a Mini Cooper. There's a huge difference.
"Mentally, Baroka and Tuks are in a better shape because they've been winning more, and Richards Bay have been playing for survival, and they haven't got it right, hence they are in the play-offs.
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"What will also make a difference is how club management is addressing it as well. The backroom now must also play its part. There is a lot at stake."
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