A career that has promised so much but delivered so little has been given another lifeline. And this one may be the last.
While Swallows signed Naughty Mokoena on Wednesday from relegated African Wanderers hoping that he will help them revive their fortunes, it might, in fact, be Mokoena who will benefit most from the deal.
Arguably one of the most talented midfielders yet seen here, Mokoena is yet to fulfil the potential that was seen by - among others - Frenchman Philippe Troussier, who took the youngster to the 1998 World Cup when previous Bafana Bafana coaches had ignored the player.
But as he had done to his former club coaches, Mokoena let Troussier down with his indiscipline and was sent home before he had even kicked a ball at France '98.
Now, the well-travelled Mokoena will have to make use of the opportunity or face the ignominy of being remembered as a talented player but one whose potential was always overshadowed by his failures.
The move to Swallows will, perhaps, provide him with the opportunity to make good on these failures. And Swallows' Gavin Bernstein is positive he will: "We're aware that Naughty's behaviour off the field has often been to the detriment of his career. But we are confident he won't let us down when it comes to discipline.
"We want to do much better than in last season and not fight relegation. And having a talented player like Naughty in our team will help a lot."
Swallows have placed Forcy Moalusi, Debo Kitenge, Yanne Beadonga, Shakes Kungoane, Humphrey Mlwane and Simon Magagula on the transfer list.
The Birds go into a nine-day pre-season camp in Plettenberg Bay on Monday and Bernstein said the club hopes to take part in the Telkom Charity Cup.