Bucs in fight for top eight position

Bucs midfield dynamo Teko Modise

Orlando Pirates are determined to pull out of their mini-slump when they meet title chasing Ajax Cape Town in their Absa Premiership clash at the Athlone Stadium tomorrow night. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.

Bucs' title hopes were all but ended when they crashed 1-0 at home to leaders SuperSport United recently. But Bucs coach Owen da Gama is not one to throw in the towel. Da Gama says: "Mathematically we still have a chance. But my goal is to finish as high as we can in the top eight. After a couple of disappointing results I want to end the season on a high note."

Ajax also slipped when they were held 1-1 away to Free State Stars in their last league outing. They have picked up two points from their last three fixtures and need to get their title charge back on track.

Da Gama added: "Ajax are still second (in the table) and I expect them to come at us guns blazing. They have everything to play for and at home they will fancy their chances against us I still believe the league race is wide open."

Bucs badly need to pick up their pieces to get their season back on track. They have slipped to seventh place after collecting only two points from their last four league fixtures. They recorded two disappointing 0-0 draws at home to both struggling Black Leopards and Jomo Cosmos and suffered an embarrassing 2-1 away defeat against another relegation threatened side, Thanda Royal Zulu. And the loss to United rubbed more salt into Bucs wounds. - Sapa