Orlando Pirates’ development coach Augusto Palacios believes that the Buccaneers can win this season’s Absa Premiership title.

Despite the constant downplaying of their title chances by coach Milutin Sredojevic, Pirates sit just one point behind Mamelodi Sundowns in second place as they head into the final stretch of the season.

Pitso Mosimane’s men may have a game in hand over their title rivals, but Palacios believes that the Sea Robbers remain firmly in the hunt.

The Peruvian football coach has some experience in the matter as he guided Pirates to a league title back in 2011-12, after taking over with the team when they were languishing in sixth with twelve games to play.

‘For me‚ we wish and hope that six games left [this season] is nothing difficult. I took over the team with 12 games left‚ and we were in sixth position‚ and we managed to win the league. And we only lost against Santos,’ said the 66-year-old.

‘But now Pirates are one point from Sundowns and anything can happen. Because if they lose one point, you are there. For me‚ it’s not to predict‚ but Pirates need to focus game by game. We can’t be thinking about Sundowns. Put Sundowns aside‚ and [we must] be looking at ourselves‚ to win three points and three points and three points‚ and it will come.’

Palacios, however, pointed out that it is not only his former side who are in contention.

‘Listen‚ in six games‚ anyone can challenge for the league. You must understand this. For me‚ it’s game by game. And it’s very difficult because the pressure comes more at the [team at the] top. And [the team] coming behind is only trying to win.

‘For me, the league is not decided yet,’ he concluded.

The Soweto Giants next face Bloemfontein Celtic at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday‚ 4 April in the league.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/Backpagepix