Struggling Swallows host Royal in stern test

In what will be a keenly anticipated league fixture, Swallows FC will host Royal AM in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday evening, with the tie set to take place at the Dobsonville Stadium.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm (SA, GMT +2)

As the hosts, Swallows head into the tie with an unfavourable report card and are currently on a five-match winless streak in the league. The Dube Birds picked up three defeats during this time, having faced the likes of Stellenbosch, Golden Arrows and Kaizer Chiefs.

The Dube Birds are currently bottom of the log and amassed just nine points after 10 matches played. In their most recent game, Swallows earned a point in a 0-0 draw against TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium last week.

Reflecting on the stalemate, Dube Birds player-coach Musa Nyatama felt proud of his side’s fighting spirit despite being under the cosh for most of the encounter. With wins being hard to come by, Nyatama took solace in the point gained, which could prove to be vital come the end of the campaign.

“We were under pressure the entire time but what I like from the players is the fighting spirit,” Nyatama said.

“A point away from home will mean something at the end of the season. We were under attack but you just have to keep your structure and focus on the counters.

“Unfortunately we didn’t create enough chances but it was one of those games whereby you close the shop and make a point that you come out with something."

Thwihli Thwahla go into the fixture on a two-match losing streak in the DStv Premiership, recording defeats against Richards Bay and SuperSport United.

In their last five league games, Royal AM picked up two wins, two losses and a solitary draw. The Durban-based side suffered a 3-1 loss against SuperSport United at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in their most recent match, which put them in ninth spot after nine games played.

Royal AM did however have success in the Caf Confederations Cup, which could come as a confidence booster heading into the tie against the Dube Birds.

After facing Zesco United over two legs, Royal AM progressed to the next round of the tournament courtesy of a 1-1 aggregate draw, as they advanced on the away-goals rule.

Royal stand-in coach Abram Nteo mentioned that he was happy with his troops in fighting to get the all-important away goal but also mentioned that added information on their opponents proved to be vital in their preparations.

“It’s always different to play Zesco, I have been following them before; when the fixture came out, we knew after Highlanders we were going to play Zesco,” Nteo said.

“We have been following their progress in the league. I could see that they don’t score too much, they also don’t concede.

“We had a bit of information about them.

“We knew it was going to be tough, we needed to score a goal and the boys did that."

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Swallows FC:

Waseem Isaacs: As one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league, Isaacs will be tasked to lead the line against Royal AM. Isaacs provides movement and physicality in the final third and will be looking to add to his tally for the season (2).

Tlakusani Mthethwa: Royal AM are known for being a nifty side in possession, which calls for Mthethwa’s ability to disrupt their play in the middle of the park. The midfielder will also be tasked to screen his side’s backline, given the attacking talent at their disposal.

Royal AM:

Ruzaigh Gamildien:The Cape Town-born player has grown into becoming one of the PSL’s leading attackers in recent seasons and remains an important player for Royal AM. Gamaldien’s versatility can cause problems to the Swallows defence and has the ability to play in any attacking position on the field.

Ricardo Nascimento:As a marquee signing for the club, Nascimento has been a revelation at Royal AM this season. The Brazilian suits the Royal AM way of playing and rarely puts a foot wrong when on the ball. The centre-back is an attacking threat as well and often makes his presence known in the opposition box.