Swallows out to end Stellies’ unbeaten record
Swallows FC will be determined to bounce back to winning ways in the DStv Premiership when they face Stellenbosch FC at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off is at 3.30pm. Amaswaiswai extended their winless run to five matches in the league when they succumbed to a disappointing 3-0 defeat to defending champions Sundowns away on October 3.
The Soweto giants found themselves placed 14th on the league standings — three points above the relegation zone and they will be desperate to secure a win that would move them further away from the bottom two places.
Brandon Truter, the Swallows head coach, says his side is well prepared to end Stellenbosch’s unbeaten record in the league after he returned from his “special leave.”
“It’s going to be a tough game considering where we come from and taking into consideration that Stellenbosch are unbeaten this season,” Truter said. “They are having a good run. “Looking at us, I think the major things are few that we have to rectify, with seven goals conceded in the last two matches and we need to stop that, as I said.
“It is a home game and we like to pick up points at home.
“Stellenbosch being unbeaten as well makes them a dangerous team, so we have to prepare well.”
Meanwhile, Stellenbosch maintained their unbeaten start to the current season when they drew 1-1 with Baroka FC away on October 2 and it is the team’s best start to a top-flight campaign. Stellies are currently placed fourth on the DStv Premiership standings level points with second-placed SuperSport United as the two teams close the gap on leaders, Sundowns. Steve Barker, the Stellenbosch head coach, is wary of Swallows as he believes they will be desperate to return to winning ways after Truter’s return.
“Yeah, it’s always tough, obviously Swallows have had one or two of their issues this season, however, Brandon Truter is back as a coach, he has done really well for them,” Barker said.
“I’m sure they’re desperate to get back to winning ways and I would assume they see this as an opportunity at home against us.
“So it’s difficult to predict exactly how they’ll set up.
“And the way they’ll play and so not an easy encounter at Dobsonville, they’re a difficult team to break down.
“But yeah, we’re also in a good sort of space in terms of our preparation and the way the season has gone.”
It’s going to be a tough game considering where we come from and taking into consideration that Stellenbosch are unbeaten this season