High flying Dube Birds face stern Chippa test

As two in form teams in the DStv Premiership at the moment, Moroka Swallows and Chippa United will take to the Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday evening, with both sides looking to record three-straight wins in the league.

Kick-off is at 5:00pm (SA, GMT+2)

Swallows looked solid under the tutelage of Steve Komphela this season and currently occupy third spot on the league table after seven matches played.

The Dube Birds go into their next game on the back of a hard-fought 2-1 win over AmaZulu, as a quick-fire brace by Tshegofatso Mabasa in the second half saw Swallows bag maximum points at the Dobsonville Stadium.

Overall, Swallows have a favourable report card in their last five league games, recording four victories and one defeat during this process.

As far as the head-to-head count is concerned, Swallows managed to record two wins in their last five outings in the league, with three stalemates played during this period.

While Swallows find themselves in a rich vein of form, Komphela recently set the record straight on being labelled as a coach ‘on loan’ from Mamelodi Sundowns.

“When you are on loan then it means you have to go back to the people who loaned you,” Komphela said.

“In all honestly, my contract with Mamelodi Sundowns was running for three years and three plus one and I am in that plus one.

“So, which effectively means after this plus one, I’m not on loan I’m free to move on.”

The Chilli Boys go into the game against Swallows on the back of a 1-0 win over SuperSport United, which has arguably been one of their best results in the league so far.

Similarly to Swallows, Chippa United have been on a decent run of form in their last handful of games, bagging three wins and two defeats.

As it stands, Chippa trail Swallows by one point (12) in fifth place. However, the Chilli Boys have played one more game than their opponents.

WHAT THEY SAID

Reflecting on his side’s league form, Chippa coach Morgan Mammila mentioned that he wants his team to emulate Brighton & Hove Albion as giant killers in the DStv Premiership.

“If we have to be a ruthless team, let us be Brighton of the English Premier League.

“That team says if Manchester (United) doesn’t want to chase Manchester City, let’s go behind Manchester (City).

“So we are going to give each and every team a very difficult task when they come here.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Moroka Swallows:

Tshegofatso Mabasa: Following his brace against AmaZulu, Mabasa is currently the leading goal scorer in the DStv Premiership after seven matches on the board. Mabasa has been a clutch player for Swallows this season and will go into the next game with confidence running through his veins.

Chippa United:

Elmo Kambindu: The striker was a difference maker in the Chilli Boys’ last outing, scoring the winning goal against a star-studded SuperSport United outfit. Given his elusive qualities, the Dube Birds will have to watch out for the Namibian attacker throughout the 90 minutes.