Moroka Swallows are determined to salvage what has been a hugely disappointing season, when they meet First Division giant killers Pretoria University in the Nedbank Cup final at the Rand Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
The high-flying Birds were brought back to earth in the second round of the Absa Premiership after failing to qualify for the top eight. The Birds slumped badly after a promising start to the PSL season.
Birds assistant coach Zeca Marques said the Cup final was the perfect opportunity to end the season with a bang. ”Our success or failure this season has come down to the Cup final. We owe it to the fans and ourselves to win the Cup and end the season on a high note. We started the season like a house on fire, but faded badly and now we have this last chance to set everything right.
”We are totally focused and determined to give this final one big push and win the trophy. It is a classic all or nothing scenario for us and we are going to give it everything we have got. I am quietly confident, but we are cautious.
”Cup finals are all about the side that rises to the occasion on the day and we must make sure it is us and not Tukkies that come out victorious.”
Marques stressed, however, there were no favourites or underdogs in Saturday´s final despite Swallows being a so called ”big PSL club” and AmaTuks playing in the National First Division.
But Marques admits the odds have slightly moved in favour of Swallows after Tuks skipper and key defender, Obert Moyo, and midfield anchorman Andile Jali, were ruled out through suspension.
”I have watched Tukkies during their Cup run and they are a quality side. Frankly, this is one final where there is little in it. Tuks have shown to be a tough side to beat and we will not make the mistake of underestimating them. They have earned our respect by the way they have got to the final beating three PSL sides.”
AmaTuks scored their biggest ever win when they dumped Kaizer Chiefs 4-3 in the second round. Amakhosi have been in more Cup finals and won more knockout trophies than any other club in South African soccer history and Tuks’ win was one of the biggest upsets in local soccer.
To show it was no fluke, Tuks defeated Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 in the quarter-finals and they downed Ajax Cape Town 2-1 in the semifinals.
Birds are injury free and head coach Julio Leal will be banking on his ace goal poacher Sandile ”AK 47” Ndlovu, shooting down the hard-running students.
Ndlovu will look to a rejuvenated David Radebe, who according to Marques, is energised after a two-week break and has regained his hunger for goals.
Pushing hard for a place in the attack is rising South African under-20 star Thulani Ngcepe, who has impressed when given the chance this season.
But Leal could have his work cut out after Birds’ bad end of the season slump saw them finish a lowly 11th in the Premiership. — Sapa