Having made a dismal start to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) season, Moroka Swallows are seeking to regain their wings — and Tuesday night’s PSL game against Free State Stars at the Germiston Stadium could set them on their way.
Coming in the wake of the signing of a long-term sponsorship with Volkswagen, the Birds have been further boosted by the return of most of their plethora of injured players, as well as the signing on a one-year loan deal of talented Supersport United midfielder Tseu Mokoro.
An indication that Swallows are back on track was evident in the recent 3-0 demolition of fancied Supersport United after the Birds had lost their opening two PSL games of the season against Santos and Silver Stars and suffered a first-round defeat against Supersport in the Supa8 tournament.
Swallows officials now see the Free State Stars game as a watershed to greater things, but realise another defeat at this stage will plunge them back into the doldrums.
”We believe we have the potential to challenge for the PSL championship now that our squad is approaching full-strength after injuries and suspensions ravaged our line-up earlier in the season,” said Swallows team manager Gavin Bernstein.
And the Birds are hoping to have Nigerian international goalkeeper Greg Etafia back in South Africa for Tuesday’s game after doing duty in the African Nations Cup over the weekend.
Etafia featured prominently in the win over Supersport United and is a key influence in the Birds’ line-up.
With former Bafana Bafana midfielder Alfred Phiri in top form this season, Swallows could be flying high again. — Sapa