Augusto Palacios, the Orlando Pirates coach, has called for calm heads as they enter the most fragile part of the Absa Premiership defence this weekend.

Pirates will face Golden Arrows in an Absa Premiership decider at the majestic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. It’s a win-at-all costs for Pirates who are currently on pole. Swallows, the other contenders, are second with only two points separating them and the Sea Robbers.

Palacios said it was important for his players to be in a relaxed mode ahead of this crucial game in Durban.

“In order to relieve pressure we went to do aerobics, we went to the swimming pool, we played volleyball and we had a braai because I did not want the players to practice too much with the ball. I wanted the players to be hungry in the last 2 games and this week we will create other activities,” the Bucs coach said.

“Yes, there is pressure to win here because Pirates is a big team and we know we have to play for the team, the supporters, our families and then for ourselves.”

The star-studded Pirates staged a magnificent come-back against Bloemfontein Celtic this past weekend. Pirates were trailing Celtic 1-0 for the better part of the match, but it took an impressive two goals to change things around and keep their title hopes alive.

“It’s an honour to have this kind of players in my team, I have players who play for Bafana Bafana and one player from the Zambian national team (Chansa). “

“I am very happy with the character we showed, we know that we made an earlier mistake, we did not play the way we needed to play in the first half, but in the second half we pushed our midfield more forward and attacked more from the wings.”

“I must give credit to the players, it was not an easy game because Celtics were unbeaten for six games and they have a solid defence, but we knew the goal would come if we continued to pressure and it did arrive.”

“When the chairman visited us today in the hotel, he made it very clear that it is not about three points but six points.”

Palacios said the Arrows game will be tough this weekend.

“We go to another difficult away game and we need only a win, because if we draw we are out.”

“Our minds are very clear and that is: win the next game, after we win the next game, then we can be champions, but I cannot say we have we have won the league until then.”