Santos coach Ian Palmer says that it was difficult to get his players fired up for a match where there was essentially nothing to play for.

The People's Team looked set to end the play-offs on a high when they took the lead against Mpumalanga Black Aces on Saturday but a late goal saw the hosts secure a draw.

The equalising goal somehow found its way past goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt in stoppage time but Palmer was not too concerned with the outcome.

"I think it was just an innocent mistake by the goalkeeper. It happens," he said.

"Firstly I want to congratulate Jacob Sakala and Aces. Let's hope they have a good stay in the PSL.

"It's always difficult to motivate the players for a game when you are not playing for anything. But we had to be professional about it and come out here to do the job."

Asked how they could improve their chances of returning to the PSL, he added, "I think the important thing is to get four more quality players, it's all about grit and grind in this division. It's not an easy division to play in. So I think that's the way forward - four quality players and we take it from there."

The coach also said that he has not decided as to whether he will stay on next season.

"I haven't decided as yet. I will speak to my wife during the course of this week and we will make a decision accordingly," he added.