WeeklySA_AdminEPIC-BATTLE: SWALLOWS MUST WIN AGAINST LOG CHAMPIONS ‘DOWNS TO STAVE OF THREATING RELEGATION BLUES
By Ali Mphaki
Swallows FC is up to what is akin to thredding an anaconda through the eye of the needle when they face log champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Dobsonville stadium on Sunday.
If ever there was a time for the Birds of Swallows FC feathers to flock together – this is it! They cannot afford to flop together. Bouyed by a 1-nil win away at Amazulu last Saturday, a hard-fought victory which somehow eased their relegation-threatened status looping them just a notch into 13th position, Swallows have another tough assignment when they face league champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their backyard at Dobsonville stadium Sunday.
On the face of it, the fixture is a mere formality for Sundowns, who have already annexed the 2022/23 DStv Premiership log trophy, with seven games outstanding.
For Swallows is another cup of tea. This DStv Premiership fixture offers them an opportunity to improve their precarious log-standing; the tatalising prospect of victory likely to see them enter the hallowed grounds of the top eight teams in the log.
With six games remaining, 18 points to play for, each encounter for Swallows is like a cup final.
After Sundowns they face Stellenbosch FC away, Maritzburg, Kaizer Chiefs
Royal AM FC, and last but not least the seemingly resurgent Marumo Gallants. Whichever way you look at it, its a long flight to freedom!
Unavoidably they will have to form a guard of honour for ‘Downs players before the start of their game Sunday, in respect of the recently-crowned league champions, but this should not distract Swallows from thecrucial job at hand.
“Downs pedigree of players should not intimidate the Swallows hopefuls, who will need to shred the pervasive inferiority complex which seems to afflict most teams when pitted against Masandawana. Even if Swallows were to salvage a point, it would be highly commendable and would feel like a win for them. Caretaker-coach Musa Nyatama seem to have cast some magic wand on his Swallows charges, whose play lately seem more purposeful and fluid.
There is some noticeable method in Swallows’ madness, so to speak. But for the mere fact that ‘Downs were held to a goalless draw Tuesday by Cape Town City, a blot or blip in their track-record, they will be looking to make amends at the expense of Swallows so to appease their horde of supporters who have grown accustomed to their team’s winning ways.
Unavoidably Swallows players will be compelled to form a guard-ofhonour for Downs players, in respect of the league champions, but this should not distract them from the crucial job at hand.
Whilst the prospect of salving three points for Swallows is tantalazing, even if they were to salvage a point, it would still feel like a victory for them. Caretaker-coach Musa Nyatama seem to have cast some magic wand on his Swallows charges, whose play lately seem more purposeful and fluid, though questions remain about their disjointed defense.
‘Downs pedigree aside, any attempt by Masandawana to undermine Swallows will be at their peril. This encounter is definitely the cherry on top this Easter weekend.
Ntyilo Ntyil
Published on the 93rd Edition.
