Former Chippa United head coach Vladislav Heric has identified what he believes is contributing to Orlando Pirates's loss of form.
The Sea Robbers have been unable to collect maximum points in their last four league matches.
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On Wednesday, they lost 2-1 to the bottom-of-the-table Cape Town Spurs in a match most expected to be a walkover for the Buccaneers.
They are currently in position 13 on the 16-team DStv Premier Soccer League table after managing only two wins in eight matches.
"In my 20 years' experience in South Africa I have learned that teams that are at the bottom of the log are usually very tough opponents, especially against the big three," Heric tells KickOff.
"Then I found out that players get motivated when playing against such big clubs.
"And the big teams' players always undermine clubs that are at the bottom of the log table.
"I don't think Pirates are drowning though, it's just that when you have games in hand it's difficult to achieve your goals.
"If you put yourself two games behind, it becomes difficult, you already put yourself at a disadvantage because it psychologically works on the players.
"To be a coach you first need to be a psychologist, and that's key. That's a main skill every coach should have.
"Being games behind is the reason Orlando Pirates are struggling.
"Whether with this kind of form Pirates are still going to challenge for the league title or not, that one only God knows.
"All we know is, they still stand a chance of winning another two cup competitions this
"Yesterday they played good Pirates, but unfortunately results weren't on their side."
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