ONE cannot help but pity Moroka Swallows coach Zeca Marques, who seems baffled by his team's recent slump.

They have been losing games at such a rate that they almost slipped into the relegation zone. Only a smattering of die-hard fans have bothered to come to recent games.

"We are playing well and creating chances, but fail to convert them," Marques keeps repeating.

Even manager Sipho Xulu was at loss for words when asked about their team's embarrassing performance.

Scratching his head in exasperation, all he could say was: "I don't what to comment."

It remains to be seen if Marques will once more be seen tearing his hair out in frustration when they face Bidvest Wits in an Absa Premiership match at Milpark Stadium tonight.

Under Gavin Hunt, the rampaging Students, who are third on the log, have an outside chance of catching up with log leaders Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

They are also still in the running for the Nedbank Cup, having reached the semifinal.

A league and cup double is not far-fetched for a side that was unfancied .

"We do have a mathematical chance [of winning the league]," said Hunt. "Downs and Chiefs are in the pound seats, but it's not completely clear at the moment."

Now that they are safe from the chop, the Birds may not offer much resistance because they will have nothing to fight for.

This should make them easy pickings for The Clever Boys.

Wits' manager George Mogotsi said they feel uncomfortable playing against teams like Swallows at this time of the season.

"Every team is battling for a decent place on the log table," he said. "We have to be on the alert all the time."

Wits' in-form striker Sthembiso Ngcobo should be a handful for the Swallows defence.

Kickoff is at 7.30pm.

Today's PSL programme kicks off with a clash between strugglers Free State Stars and University of Pretoria at Charles Mopeli Stadium at 6pm.

Ea Lla Koto are second- last in the standings and another slip-up will be suicidal.