Moroka Swallows coach Zeca Marques says the MTN8 final against SuperSport United is a “huge” occasion for his players and the Soweto-based club.
The Dube Birds will tackle Nedbank Cup holders Matsatsantsa at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening, kicking-off at 8:15.
And although Swallows lost 3-2 to visiting University of Pretoria in the Premiership last Friday, Marques suspects his men will be better focused against Gavin Hunt’s outfit.
“It was one of those games where the players’ minds were perhaps in the cup final,” Marques said in the Sowetan.
“You can’t really blame the players for thinking this way sometimes. The next game is a big game for us. It’s huge for their careers and for the club.”
Marques will expect his charges to improve their defending against United, who plundered three unanswered goals at AmaZulu’s expense this past weekend.
The absence of Siyabonga Nomvethe through injury could count against Swallows attacking department, though the likes of on form Bennet Chenene, Bafana striker and hottest property of late Lerato Chabangu and the immaculate David Mathebula and captain fantastic Lefa Tsutsulupa, Swallows chances of causing an upset are likely.
“We showed character and we were unfortunate to concede a third goal. We conceded silly goals because of defensive errors,” he added.
His counterpart Gavin Hunt on the other hand is enjoying himself at the club. This follows good performance thus far by his charges. The PSL league winning coach, attributes the performance to discipline, hardwork and consistency by players’.
With Mabudi Khenyeza and S’busiso Zuma on deadly form, Swallows could find their backs against the wall resulting in sixes and sevens. But overlook the sterling work by the goal-minder Rowen Fernandez at your own peril.
The latter has been the pillar at the club, having conceded fewer goals thus far. Good investment returns for ‘Matsatsantsa’, one must point out…
Yep, were will the MTN8 Cup remain?
* Sowetolife Magazine Online is giving away 10 tickets to this match.
To win email :info@sowetolifemag.co.za before 3pm. Include name and number.
