After moving out of the relegation zone with two successive 1-0 victories over Free State Stars and Maritzburg United respectively, Highlands Park’s co-chairman, Brad Kaftel, is confident that his club can avoid the dreaded drop.

However, he does admit that the Lions of the North are finding the top flight very different to the National First Division.

“The PSL’s a very tough league,” he told Soccer Laduma. “For us, it’s a steep learning curve of note. The quality’s high and everyone’s fighting. There’re no bad teams. I think we’re a much improved side from the first round after strengthening well. There were some matches when we didn’t believe but that’s now changed

“Could we draw two and win one of our next three matches against Lamontville Golden Arrows, Ajax Cape Town and Orlando Pirates? I think so. That would put us on 25 points. Then we’d be a step closer. Whether my club goes to Ajax or Bucs come to us, I truly believe that Highlands has a chance to get something from those games.”

Kaftel says acquiring a point per game will mean survival.

“That’s bottom line,” he concluded.