Swallows FC will face a stern test in the form of SuperSport United in the DStv Premiership on Saturday evening, with the two sides set to lock horns at the Dobsonville Stadium.
Kick-off is at 5:30pm (SA, GMT+2)
With coach Ernst Middendorp at the helm, the German tactician is tasked to guide the Dube Birds to safety during the remainder of the 2022/23 league campaign.
As it stands, Swallows are in 14th spot, level on points with Stellenbosch FC who occupy the relegation playoff position. More alarmingly, Middendorp's charges are just two points away from bottom-of-the-log Marumo Gallants.
Swallows have won just one of their last five DStv Premiership encounters and head into their next tie on the back of a 1-0 loss to the resurgent Sekhukhune United.
In reflecting on the tie, Middendorp mentioned that Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya’s wonder strike was ’necessary’ for Babina Noko to get the win and that his side had more goalscoring chances than the opposition.
“Yeah, I think it was a wonderful shot, probably a shot like this was necessary for them to get the result,” Middendorp stated.
“We had Malinga on the other side with a similar shot. I think we had more shots on target, four to three shots in general and on a bigger higher note. But in the end we have not scored.
While Swallows face an uphill battle, SuperSport have been battling to find form, particularly since the turn of 2023.
Gavin Hunt’s side are currently on a three-match winless streak, recording two losses and a draw during this time.
SuperSport’s last victory was recorded on 3 January, when they overcame a spirited Cape Town City in a 1-0 win at the DHL Stadium.
Also, SuperSport have lost two games on the spin as the away outfit, recording defeats against Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively.
As a league winner with SSU and Bidvest Wits, Hunt revealed what it takes to win the Premiership and cited player rotation as one of the secrets to his success.
“You need players and you can’t let a team age all at once,” Hunt said.
“You need to refresh the team and my secret has always been: when the team is winning, change the team. When you win the league, you need to change the team and refresh it all the time.
“You want to improve the squad but you can’t just have somebody who is going to bring in numbers and sit on the bench. You need someone who is better than your starters.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Swallows FC
Keegan Allan: In facing attackers who are willing to move around, Allan’s concentration and reading of the games will be tested. Showing maturity beyond his years, Allan is deemed to be one of the best young defenders in the PSL and will attract the spotlight against a team like SSU.
Waseem Isaacs: As a powerful, robust striker, Isaacs can be a tricky customer to deal with on his day. The hard-running forward is known for playing on the shoulder of the last defender and will be tasked to be his side’s attacking point of reference this weekend.
SupeSport United
Grant Margeman: It can be said that the midfielder is having one of his best seasons in the PSL currently and has been an ever present feature for SSU in the middle of the park. Margeman’s to keep things flowing in midfield could be key in breaking down a stubborn Dube Birds backline.
Bradley Grobler: With seven league goals to his name, Grobler often came up clutch for SSU this season. Grobler’s ability to rope in fellow attackers around him makes him a dangerous front man to contend with, something the Swallows defenders will have to take keen interest in.