Swallows desperate for points

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 14: Rudi Charls Isaacs of Moroka Swallows and Collins Mbesuma of Black Aces during the Absa Premiership match between Black Aces and Moroka Swallows at Mbombela Stadium on March 14, 2015 in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images)

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 14: Rudi Charls Isaacs of Moroka Swallows and Collins Mbesuma of Black Aces during the Absa Premiership match between Black Aces and Moroka Swallows at Mbombela Stadium on March 14, 2015 in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images)

Published Apr 27, 2015

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Johannesburg – Rooted to the foot of the Premiership table, Moroka Swallows will be desperately seeking a win when they travel to Tuks Stadium to take on University of Pretoria.

The Birds occupy the unenviable bottom position on the log with 23 points with four games remaining in their season. The Dobsonville side are on the same number of points as AmaZulu in 15th, but seven behind on goal difference.

Swallows, in their previous league game, had led 1-0 over SuperSport United away from home through a goal from veteran striker Siyabonga Nomvethe just before half-time. The relegation favourites, however, saw two vital points disappear with the hosts equalising deep in second half injury time.

Swallows coach Craig Rosslee said his side had no choice but to win all their remaining matches.

“The biggest area of concern for us, is points,” said Rosslee.

“We need points. Just like the two teams above us. Everyone needs points. There are four games left, and we need to get maximum points. That’s the reality. It’s a must-win every game now.”

Ultimately Swallows just needed a bit of luck according to the coach.

“I thought the guys were fantastic the other night- to travel all the way from Port Elizabeth and get off the bus, and get back on the bus to travel back here the next day – their performance was outstanding.

“I thought we defended well and created a great couple of chances. It was just a slip at the end, otherwise we could’ve walked away with all three points.”

The University outfit, in contrast, would be eyeing a move into the lucrative top eight. Tuks were in 10th spot on the log with 31 points – just two off eighth place.

In the other match on the night, Maritzburg United host Ajax Cape Town at Harry Gwala Stadium, in Pietermaritzburg.

The Cape outfit occupy sixth spot on the log with 37 points, while AmaZulu are the eighth-placed team on 33 points. A win for the hosts could see their top eight ambitions spiced up, while Ajax could move to 40 points as even greater heights could move onto their radar. – ANA

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