Bacela credits Bartlett with recent Tuks revival

University of Pretoria are now in a better position to fight off relegation, according to the team's striker Lennox Bacela.

AmaTuks' last six games are against Bloemfontein Celtic (away), Kaizer Chiefs (home), Jomo Cosmos (away), Mamelodi Sundowns (home), Polokwane City away and Golden Arrows at home.

This appears to be a tough run-in for the 14th placed Tshwane side, but Bacela said they were confident on the back of their 4-2 win over Maritzburg United at the weekend - in their so-called "cup final" .

"The coach's philosophy is play to win rather than going to a game and playing not to lose. That helps everyone to go and express themselves," explained Bacela, who scored a brace against Maritzburg.

The 32-year-old believes head coach Shaun Bartlett has had a big influence since taking over from Sammy Troughton in January.

"Coach Shaun has come in and started making people believe. Being a former player and obviously having had an opportunity to do big things, he's giving that confidence and belief to the guys."

Bacela said Bartlett has an open- door policy.

"Management is crucial in soccer. The coach and I can have a talk about where I want to be deployed and all that. Coach Shaun has given the opportunity to everyone to come talk to him about what they think he can do to for them to improve and obviously help the club moving forward... Everyone can see the results."

AmaTuks next face Celtic at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday.