AFTER collecting two out of a possible six points in their past two matches, doomsayers are already labelling Orlando Pirates' impressive start to the season a flash in the pan.

AFTER collecting two out of a possible six points in their past two matches, doomsayers are already labelling Orlando Pirates' impressive start to the season a flash in the pan.

The Buccaneers are up against unpredictable Santos at Orlando Stadium tomorrow and Pirates fans will want them to get their season back on track.

Bucs communications manager Mickey Modisane is still confident that Pirates will finish "in a respectable position with something to show for it".

"We obviously would have liked to have won the two matches against Bidvest Wits and Free State Stars but most clubs always double their efforts when playing against us.

"However, our players know what they have to do because they remember what happened last season when we lost the league on goal difference, so they have to take it one game at a time and try to get maximum points, especially at our home games," Modisane said.

Former Pirates striker Tyren Arendse said it is going to be a difficult match.

"It is going not going to be easy playing Pirates in their own backyard but anything is possible," Arendse said.

"We enjoy playing against the so-called big teams and these are the challenges we look forward to."