STEVE Barker believes his University of Pretoria side need one more win to ensure their safety in the Absa Premiership.
AmaTuks moved past the magical 30-point mark with victory over Moroka Swallows on Tuesday.
They came from behind to clinch a 2-1 victory and move to 31 points, one more than the target for most coaches hoping to see their clubs survive.
"Football is a funny game. I think we could yet see Polokwane City and Free State Stars have a strong finish to the season," Barker said. "One more win and I think we will be safe. Then I can relax."
AmaTuks must still make trips to Free State Stars, and then AmaZulu and Mpumalanga Black Aces on the final day of the season. On May 6 they have a home clash with title-chasing Kaizer Chiefs.
"Our away form has not been great this season and so to have three very difficult matches away from home left is a challenge for us. Teams like Stars and AmaZulu are always tough in their own back yard and Black Aces could still be vying for a top-eight place. They will all be difficult games."
On a more positive note, Barker does believe the victory over Swallows also opens up the possibility of a top-eight place.
"We could still sneak into the top eight, it's unlikely but we have to believe until it is mathematically impossible. One of our other targets this season is to match the 40 points we got last year, and we are nine off that with 12 still available to us. If we can achieve that then it will have been another remarkable season for us as a club, no matter where we end up in the table."
AmaTuks are off this weekend with the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals taking centre stage, with their next match against Stars taking place next Wednesday.
Barker not feeling safe
STEVE Barker believes his University of Pretoria side need one more win to ensure their safety in the Absa Premiership.
AmaTuks moved past the magical 30-point mark with victory over Moroka Swallows on Tuesday.
They came from behind to clinch a 2-1 victory and move to 31 points, one more than the target for most coaches hoping to see their clubs survive.
"Football is a funny game. I think we could yet see Polokwane City and Free State Stars have a strong finish to the season," Barker said. "One more win and I think we will be safe. Then I can relax."
AmaTuks must still make trips to Free State Stars, and then AmaZulu and Mpumalanga Black Aces on the final day of the season. On May 6 they have a home clash with title-chasing Kaizer Chiefs.
"Our away form has not been great this season and so to have three very difficult matches away from home left is a challenge for us. Teams like Stars and AmaZulu are always tough in their own back yard and Black Aces could still be vying for a top-eight place. They will all be difficult games."
On a more positive note, Barker does believe the victory over Swallows also opens up the possibility of a top-eight place.
"We could still sneak into the top eight, it's unlikely but we have to believe until it is mathematically impossible. One of our other targets this season is to match the 40 points we got last year, and we are nine off that with 12 still available to us. If we can achieve that then it will have been another remarkable season for us as a club, no matter where we end up in the table."
AmaTuks are off this weekend with the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals taking centre stage, with their next match against Stars taking place next Wednesday.
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