Swallows all fired to make the right Progress
THE Gold Cup heads into its second weekend with local side Swallows looking to build on their perfect start to the competition when they take on Gap Management Progress Uitenhage at the WJ De Wet Stadium in Despatch tomorrow afternoon.
Swallows claimed a famous last-gasp win over fierce rivals MPM Old Selbornians in their first ever outing in the Gold Cup last weekend to seal a full house of points and head into their second match full of confidence.
“We really wanted to beat Old Boys and it was great to get five points from that match,” said Swallows assistant coach Mzuko Velentiya.
“We know we have to do the same away against Progress and it will put us in a very good position.”
Currently Swallows sit second on the pool C log, behind Tygerberg from Cape Town on points difference and, with the top two in each pool qualifying for the quarterfinals, Swallows will be eager to at least keep pace with the table-toppers.
Progress went down to Tygerberg in their first match last weekend and they will be looking to bounce back, which should make it a tough encounter.
Four changes been made to the have Swallows starting 15 from last weekend, with the injury to prop Buhle Nojekwa seeing him replaced by Siphamandla Banisi.
Straight swaps have seen lock Abongile Nalo and scrumhalf Anele Zweni come into the starting line-up, with Anele Sibeko and Yongama Mkaza dropping to the bench respectively.
The final change sees wing Siyasanga Pati drop out of the starting line-up due to work commitments, while Buhle Magazi comes onto the wing and Azola Tonisi joins the bench.
East London’s other team in the competition, Old Boys,could find themselves further down the log at the end of the weekend from their current position of third as they have a bye, but they will be keeping a close eye on the results and hope that some will benefit them.
The Swallows v Progress match kicks off in Despatch at 2pm tomorrow.