Santos have struggled along valiantly in spite of numerous setbacks this season, but over the next few days they have an opportunity to turn it all around.
This is the last week of fixtures before soccer's Premier League heads into the Christmas recess - and Santos are away to Bloemfontein Celtic tomorrow and then take on log leaders Orlando Pirates at Athlone on Sunday.
The outcome of the two games is crucial to the confidence of the Santos squad, especially with the difficult slog awaiting them in the new year.
Santos are in ninth spot on the 16-team Premier League log with 12 points from nine games.
On paper, there's nothing wrong with that. But the gap between mid-table and the bottom team, Manning Rangers, is just one point. It's easy to drop down into the relegation zone again.
Santos' mission is to pick up, at least, four points from the two games - a win and a draw.
But, considering their inconsistent form this season, that is certain to be one tough ask.
Promoted Celtic are always competitive and spunky in their own backyard and they have, over the years, upset a number of the big Premier League clubs in Bloemfontein.
Celtic are fourth-from-bottom, but are only one point adrift of Santos. They have picked up 11 points from 11 games.
It should make for an interesting encounter on Thursday, with both Celtic and Santos desperate for points.
For Santos, former striker David Notoane is back in the hotseat as caretaker-coach.
Notoane, 35, only retired this season and was subsequently appointed as the club's assistant-coach.
But he found himself thrown into the deep just a couple of games into the new Premier League campaign when Santos gave head coach Boebie Solomons the boot.
Notoane battled along in the position despite having to deal with a frustrating number of injuries and suspensions to a few key players.
Santos then convinced their Danish technical director Roald Poulsen to come on board full-time and take charge of the senior team.
After three games, Poulsen too was on his way - and Notoane was temporarily elevated back to the number one seat on the Santos bench.
His first game back in charge last week was a successful one, with Santos running out comfortable 4-1 winners over Rangers in Durban. Notoane, though, is not revelling in that victory. He knows Rangers are a sub-standard team and the wet conditions last week suited Santos down to the ground.
There's still much work to do for Notoane, or whoever gets to be the new head coach.
Santos boss Goolam Allie admitted the appointment of a head coach for the team was uppermost in his thoughts at present. He was looking at a few options, and he expected to make a decision within the next few days.
On the field, though, Santos are gradually getting their important players back on the field.
Against Rangers, central midfielder Ricardo Mannetti and central defender Zvinyeka Makonese returned from lengthy injuries and the difference was evident.
Their presence brought a greater composure to the team effort and Santos looked a lot more more organised and confident in possession.
While it looks to be coming together for Santos in attack, the defence is still a cause for concern.
Santos have conceded 15 goals in nine Premier League games this season. Because of this, drastic selection measures have been taken. Last week, veteran and former captain Edries Burton got the chop and was replaced at leftback by Jermaine Christian.
Santos have also in recent weeks axed goalkeeper Ryan Wuest for former Hellenic man, Jason Barnard.
The one player, however, who has to come to the party for Santos in these trying circumstances is new skipper, Musa Otieno.
Appointed as captain of the team in place of Burton at the start of the season, the tall, elegant Kenyan central defender needs to stamp his authority on his players. He has never been much of a talker, preferring to lead by example.
But the time has come for Otieno to make his voice firm and strong, and urge his team to better.
- Clive Barker returns to the Premier League dugout for the first time in seven months when Manning Rangers visit Wits University this evening.
Barker joined Durban club Rangers this week as their technical director of coaching.
PSL fixtures
Wednesday: Wits University v Manning Rangers; Bush Bucks v Dynamos
Thursday: Bloemfontein Celtic v Santos
Saturday: Black Leopards v Sundowns
Sunday: Jomo Cosmos v Bloemfontein Celtic; Golden Arrows v Moroka Swallows; Santos v Orlando Pirates (Athlone, 3.45pm)
Coca-Cola Cup final
Saturday: Kaizer Chiefs v Supersport United