WeeklySA_AdminMTN QUARTERS: Defending champions Pirates face unpredictable Swallows
By Masoja Cele
It’s all set for a captivating MTN 8 quarterfinals with the oldest rivals Orlando Pirates and Swallows FC locking horns in one of the four games penciled for this weekend. The Buccaneers are the defending champions of the Wafa-Wafa title and it is going to take more than wishful thinking for The Birds to edge them out of the competition.
In the other quarterfinal the high-riding Amazulu are against Cape Town City and SuperSport United tackle last year’s surprise package Lamontville Golden Arrows. It would seem fans are spoiled for choice this weekend, what with giant-killers Mamelodi Sundowns also having an MTN 8 date with Kaizer Chiefs in a game likely to be a humdinger.
Without a doubt ‘’Ezimnyama Ngenkani’’ are favourites in this game, let alone the tournament. However, this doesn’t rule the ‘’Mighty Birds ‘’out. The Birds are a capable side with veteran midfielder Lebohang ‘’Cheeseboy ‘’ Mokoena leading the flock.
Worth remembering is that though Swallows have been absent from the Premier League for five years, they didn’t disappoint in their maiden campaign in the DStv Premiership last season finishing on sixth position with only two losses.
The Dube Birds have also strengthened the team with quality playing personnel. Left back Tebogo Langerman from Sundowns has signed for Swallows and brings in a wealth of experience that could be a tonic boost to his new team. Swallows also brought in another experience performer in Yagan Sasman from Kaizer Chiefs who would probably plug the void left by Njabulo ‘’Roadblock’’Ngcobo recently signed by Chiefs.
‘’Iyinyoni Ezibomvu Ngenkani’’ would rely on the scoring ability of Ruzaigh Gamildien and Zaphania Mbokomo. This is the battle of the old foes but the team that need it the most would win it.
Bucs have also raided the transfer market to bolster their side enlisting the skill of Goodman ‘’General’’ Mosele from Baroka and the pair of Bandile Shandu and Kwanda Mngonyama from Maritzburg United.
The utility midfielder would be vital to the team. His ability to dictate proceedings and his accurate deliveries in the middle of the park would benefit Bucs strike force led by Thembinkosi Lorch. Only 21, Mosele has a bright future ahead of him only if he can keep his feet on the ground. The pair of Bandile Shandu and Kwanda Mngonyama arrived from Maritzburg United with high expectations. Shandu operates on right hand-side midfield and could be a danger if selected to play. His combination with Vincent ‘’Mashonisa’’ Pule could cause havoc to the Swallows defence.
In Lorch, Deon Hotto and Gabadinho Mhango, Pirates have the most feared goal poachers in the game. Without a doubt‘’Ezimnyama Ngenkani’’ are favourites in this tournament. However, this doesn’t rule the ‘’Mighty Birds ‘’out. They are a capable side with veteran midfielder Lebohang ‘’Cheeseboy ‘’ Mokoena leading the flock. Swallows who have been absent from the Premier League for five years didn’t disappoint in their maiden campaign in the DStv Premiership.
They finish the season on 6th position with only two losses. The Dube Birds have also strengthened the team with quality playing personnel. Left back Tebogo Langerman has signed for Swallows from Mamelodi Sundowns. He brings in wealth of experience that could be a tonic boost to the youth at the team.
They also brought in another experience performer in Yagan Sasman from Kaizer Chiefs. The former Amakhosi defender would probably plugged the void left by Njabulo ‘’Roadblock’’Ngcobo to Chiefs.
But, to their delight Given ‘’Mshini’’ Thibedi, who had left The Beautiful Birds at the end of his loan spell to Chiefs is back with Swallows on a permanent move and will definitely make the trip to the Mecca of Soccer on Saturday. Another notable signee is the young agile goal-minder Jody February from Sundowns.
The young shot-stopper would want to impress with his goalkeeping prowess and wrestle for number one spot in the new season. ‘’Iyinyoni Ezibomvu Ngenkani’’ would rely on the scoring ability of Ruzaigh Gamildien and Zaphania Mbokomo. This is the battle of the old foes but the team that need it the most would win it.
