Menzi Magubane
Swallows FC could face a merciless Orlando Pirates in the DStv Premiership on Saturday in the Soweto derby at Dobsonville Stadium at 5pm.
Pirates are still furious with a goalless draw against ES Setif at home on Wednesday that delayed their CAF Confederation Cup quarter finals qualification.
According to their midfielder Fortunate Makaringe their focus now is on their next opponent and they will take out their frustration on them.
“Of course we are disappointed about the result we got at home. Had we won that game we would be talking about the quarterfinals now. But that game is done and dusted, now we turn our focus on the next one. We need to win by all means,” Makaringe.
The maestro added that their Confederation Cup set back won’t distract them from achieving their goals.
“Our mentality is that if we can’t win then we don’t lose. That will drive us in these remaining matches this season. The good thing is that the fighting spirit amongst us is there. We work hard in motivating one another,” added the former Maritzburg United man.
Bucs coach Josef Zinnbauer has a big decision to make ahead of Swallows clash. Will he go all out and use his strong team or will he rest some of the regulars for the crucial encounter away at Enyimba in the last match of Group A next Wednesday?
Pirates will face Enyimba knowing that a draw will be enough to see them through. On Thursday night Enyimba lost 1-0 to Al Ahly Benghazi and now Group A quarter finalists will be decided on Wednesday.
It remains to be seen which team will Zinnbauer field against Swallows in search of maximum points to keep pressure on the Premiership leading pack.
IziNyoni on the other hand have a purpose of their own with the maximum points. After starting the season like a house of fire, Swallows look set to miss out on the league title.
The only thing to fight for now is the top eight spot and a win against the Bucs could be a step in the right direction.
Picture source: Orlando Pirates
