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KEEP PALMGREN: Striker Ayanda Dlamini

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Usuthu's 2-1 loss to Platinum Stars on Saturday was only their second in eight league matches.

Under Palmgren, Usuthu have steadily risen up the standings and booked themselves a place in the Nedbank Cup semifinals against SuperSport United.

When the Swede took over the head coach duties after Manqoba Mngqithi was sacked in September last year, the team were second from bottom and without a win in 16 matches.

Palmgren was given a contract that expires at the end of the current campaign and a mandate to steer the club clear of relegation.

He has surpassed that requirement and given the team a chance of a top-eight finish.

Management have maintained that the decision on whether to keep Palmgren in the position will be reviewed at the end of the season.

"We want to focus on the league games at the moment and the Nedbank Cup, and discuss the coach's contract at the end of the season," said communications manager Philani Mabaso. "We want everybody to focus on those two competitions and discuss the issues of contracts - and that extends to the players - at the end of the season."

Mabaso added that premature contractual discussions often distract clubs from on-field matters. "It's not a (secret) that management is happy with the progress of the club. Palmgren has done well."

Striker Ayanda Dlamini said there was no doubt the players wanted Palmgren to stay: "He made us enjoy ourselves again, so if they (management) would give him another contract we'd be very happy. He's done a very good job, coming in when the team was down at the bottom of the log and bringing back that confidence in us."