Winless Gallants aim to shoot Dube Birds down

Kicking off Sunday’s DStv Premiership action, Marumo Gallants will look to record their first win of the league season when they take on Swallows FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT +2)

Gallants head into the tie low in confidence and are currently bottom of the log after five games played. In their most recent league tie, Gallants faced Orlando Pirates and left empty handed in a 1-0 defeat at the Orlando Stadium.

Prior to the Buccaneers defeat, Gallants recorded four straight draws against Royal, Golden Arrows, Richards Bay and Stellebosch. Roman Folz’s troops have been blunt in front of goal as well, scoring just three goals in the league so far.

Speaking ahead of the tie against the Dube Birds, Folz mentioned that he expects Swallows to bring forth ‘competitive’ conditions and that they intend on replying in the same manner.

Folz also mentioned that he feels his side are playing good football but that there’s a need to turn the performances into positive results.

“Every game, against everyone is a competitive encounter, every team tries their best to give their maximum performance going into the next game and we will as well.

“We understand the situation we are in right now, the fact that we need points, we are not happy with our position on the log at the moment.

"We understand the fact that our performances itself have been quite good, so far we are playing good football. We are able to execute good things on and off the ball but we understand it's not enough to get the results we are looking for.

The Dube Birds, on the other hand, go into the encounter with a better form sheet. In their opening five league games, Swallows managed to record two wins, two losses and a solitary draw.

Boosting their confidence will be the fact that Swallows are on the back of a 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United, where Mwape Munsonda’s brace proved to be enough to claim maximum points.

Unlike Gallants, Swallows are in the top half of the table and currently sit in seventh spot. In aiding the club’s position, Musonda’s brace was appreciated by Swallows stand-in coach, Musa Nyatama, who mentioned that he can now build on his confidence.

Nyatama also praised coach Dylan Kerr’s presence from the stands as he continues to amend his work permit issues.

"I’m happy he scored the brace in his first start and I’m sure this will build his confidence going forward,” Nyatama said.

“I just have to help the team and the win is for the coach. He has been trying his all to get his papers and also trying to help the guys on the pitch, shouting from the stands.”

“And big up goes to him for pushing the guys and helping the players during matches.”

Gallants will have a glimmer of hope though with the knowledge that they hold a slight edge over Swallows in the head-to-head battle.

In the 21/22 DStv Premiership, Marumo recorded a 1-0 win at the Dobsonville Stadium in December last year, while the return leg was played out to a 1-1 draw.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Marumo Gallants:

Tshepo Gumede: As one of the senior players in the Gallants team, Gumede’s guidance in defence will be vital in keeping a Swallows attack that are growing in confidence. Naturally, Gumede could be pitted against Musonda and will have to be at his best at keeping the striker at bay.

Mahlatse Makudubela: In looking to create goal-scoring opportunities, Makudubela can be a creative outlet in wide areas. The attacker was called upon in the previous encounter and Folz could turn to Makudubela to make the difference in the final third.

Swallows FC:

Mwape Musonda: Fresh from scoring a brace, Musonda can look to the frailties of Gallants as an opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet yet again. The attacker's ability to keep defenders on their toes, coupled with his movement in the area could cause problems for the Gallants backline.

Tlakusani Mthethwa:

Much like that of Gumede, Makudubela will have to be alert defensively. The midfielder will be tasked with screening the defence and breaking up play in the middle of the park.