Moroka Swallows will have their credential as genuine championship contenders examined when they face arch-enemies Kaizer Chiefs in what should turn out to be a no-holds-barred Absa Premiership Soweto Derby to be staged at Loftus on Saturday night. Kick-off is at 8pm.
The Birds will rely on their more experienced stars to inflict the league double over Amakhosi. The rampant Birds defeated Chiefs 2-0 in their first-round encounter played at Rustenburg’s Olympia Park earlier this season, and are keen to scalp Chiefs a second time.
A number of coaches, including Chiefs’ Muhsin Ertugral, tipped the Birds to go far this season. However, Birds faltered midway through the first round but have picked up their winning form as the teams head into the final straight.
Birds assistant coach Zeca Marques said with both teams hitting top gear, fans could be in for a treat. ”We know what to expect and what we are in for. This is a massive game for us. There is everything to play for as the league is wide open and there is nothing in the league race this season.
”We have 26 points and Chiefs 30, but we have a match in hand. A win takes us closer to the leaders and keeps us where we want to be at this stage of the season.”
Marques said head coach Julio Cesar Leal will once again rely on the likes of experienced Nigerian goalkeeper Greg Etafia, skipper and midfield workhorse Lefa Tsutsulupa, Mark Haskins and striker Sandile Ndlovu.
But the Birds’ technical team are aware Chiefs are starting to show their intentions after Ertugral made three key signings in the January transfer window.
Ertugral signed South African under-23 and Bafana Bafana right back Jeffrey Ntuka from Belgium outfit Westerlo, and classy striker Abia Nale from Golden Arrows. Chiefs also added Josta Dladla to their pack as the season heads into serious business. Nale has been brilliant in his three games for Chiefs so far and looks to be on the way to a bright future that will include a place in future Bafana sides and the 2010 World Cup finals.
Said Marques: ”The three are all quality players, especially Dladla who I expect will pose problems for us if he plays on Saturday. But there again we aim to pose problems for Chiefs. I reckon this is going to be a tight game and we will be glad to get over this hurdle.”
Marques said Birds’ recent 1-0 away win over second-placed Ajax Cape Town at the Athlone stadium had helped lift morale. ”Beating Ajax at Athlone was a huge boost for us. It helped with self-belief and showed that the players are getting to grips with the head coach’s requirements this season.”
Birds have always flattered to deceive in past seasons. They have never won the league in the modern professional era. They have lifted a couple of cup trophies down the years, but Leal is not hasty. The quietly spoken Brazilian has impressed his players and colleagues by the quiet confident way he goes about his business. His influence will be vital. If 2009 is not the Birds’ year to lift the Premiership, then it could be 2010. Under Leal the Birds have become a force and have improved in leaps and bounds. — Sapa