Birds to swoop on Celtic?
2007-09-20 22:29
Johannesburg - The soccer euphoria that has engulfed Bloemfontein following Celtic's elevation to top position in the Premier League log may be tempered at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Sunday when Moroka Swallows swoop on a ground that has provided little fear for them in the past.
A vociferous, tumultuous venue that has proved a graveyard for most visiting PSL teams in the past, has, for some reason proved to be to The Birds' liking.
"We have supporters throughout he country," said a Swallows official, "and we won't be intimidated by Celtic's massive following."
A more serious challenge, however, might prove to be the Celtic team who have started the season in sprightly form while winning three of their four games and drawing the fourth.
Swallows' prospects, in the circumstances, might depend on the fitness level of a number of injured players, among them probing midfielder Tsweu Mokoro, and whether coach Ian Gorowa avoids the strange selections that have placed additional pressure on The Birds on a number of occasions.
Recent signing Alton Meiring has struggled to find form and Garowa will need to think hard and long in deciding whether to persevere with the former Golden arrows striker.
A victory for Swallows will ease them to within a point of Celtic, but ready to pounce and assume top place after the week-end's fixtures is the youthful Ajax Cape Town, who come up against Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus on Saturday night while currently a point behind the log leaders.
And this game contains additional spice through the appearance of coach Muhsin Ertugral, this time on the Chiefs' bench after helping Ajax to the Absa Cup trophy and other fine achievements last season.
- SAPA