Arguably the two ”form” teams in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) right now, log leaders Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows would hardly seem to need reinforcements for Wednesday night’s potentially spectacular derby encounter at Ellis Park.
Notwithstanding the show of form from the teams in question, the return after suspension of prodigal stars Alfred Phiri for the Birds and Joseph Makhanya and Phumudzo Manenzhe for Pirates only seems to enhance what should one of the most appealing games of the season thus far.
Despite their impressive unbeaten run — which has earned them a four-point lead over second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns — there is good reason to believe the Buccaneers’ ascendancy will come under threat from a side who have already beaten Sundowns and had the better of a drawn game against Kaizer Chiefs in the past seven days.
And, while Swallows coach Gavin Hunt will tell you quite rightly that having to face Sundowns (away), Chiefs (home) and Pirates (away) within the space of eight days is the kind of programme he would not wish on his worst enemies, the Birds are motivated by their form in the past two games and clearly have no intention of being overawed.
”We were simply brilliant against Sundowns and might have had five goals instead of winning 2-1,” said Hunt, ”and the team played pretty impressively against Chiefs as well. But what I’ll be looking for is a return to the form displayed against Sundowns.”
The Birds, however, will miss the extra dimension inserted into their line-up by the presence of 2m-tall Mame Diang, with the Senegalese striker suspended on this occasion after amassing three yellow cards.
The return of Phiri, however, is more than adequate compensation, and midfielder Tsweu Makoro — on loan from Supersport — is one of the most striking performers in the PSL this season.
Without three potential first-choice defenders in Peter Petersen, George Hummel and Warren Lewis, the makeshift Swallows defence has performed admirably.
But against Pirates’ maze of gifted attacking players, Swallows’ rearguard could face its sternest test.
Also on Wednesday, Silver Stars play Bush Bucks in a PSL game and Supersport United take on Free State Stars in a Coca-Cola Cup fixture. — Sapa