With deafening silence on when the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs will finally kick off, matters relating to who holds the advantage in the mini-league format have been discussed.
As it stands, Cape Town City will be facing Motsepe Foundation Championship duo Orbit College and Casric Stars in the play-offs, which were initially scheduled to commence last week Tuesday, 27 May.
However, official complaints lodged by JDR Stars and then Cape Town Spurs against Durban City for an alleged improper registration of Saziso Magaawana saw the games put on pause.
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Both cases have been thrown out of the window after an arbitration process, but there is the small matter of Cape Town City's own prostest against a controversial SuperSport United v Golden Arrows fixture played with a half-time break lasting all of three months.
The PSL is yet to comment on the way forward.
"In the play-offs, it's do-or-die. I understand it's tricky for PSL (top-flight) teams because they've been struggling throughout the year, which puts their players under stress and pressure," says Zeca Marques, former Moroka Swallows coach.
"Most of the PSL clubs are in a deficit mentality. If you find yourself at the bottom of the log table, it indicates something. Perhaps the squad isn't good enough.
"On the other hand, NFD teams are at the top of their log and have been winning consistently. Their mindset is focused on making it to the PSL, and it’s about survival.
"But historically, PSL teams have never lost to NFD teams. Technically, the PSL teams should be better, they have superior squads and are more organised.
"I don’t understand the fear when they can confidently face the NFD teams and expect to win. I won’t say it’s easy, but it should be achievable," he says.
Marques, most recently with Black Leopards, believes the team that wins its first match and then goes on to draw the next in the mini-league places itself in an advantageous position.
"In the first game, if you draw, your second game becomes critical. It’s all about how you prepare and approach the match. More importantly, the mentality of the players is crucial. If it isn’t right, you will be punished.
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"The gap between PSL and NFD players is significant. The majority of PSL players are more skilled, while NFD players have their limitations.
"There is a clear difference between the PSL and the NFD. Moreover, since the games are televised, there is no fear of interference," concludes the man affectionately known as 'Lollipop'.
