Birds' relief after first win of 2015
STRESS. It ’ s the first word Moroka Swallows coach Fani Madida used when he took a seat for the press conference following his side ’ s come-from-behind win over Free State Stars on Wednesday.
Madida was relieved and kept checking his phone for other results in the Absa Premiership, but would have noticed that the 21 victory over Ea Lla Koto at Dobsonville Stadium kept the Dube Birds in 15th place, level on points with the Free State side.
Pressure at the foot of the table is mounting and Madida ’ s Dube Birds needed that victory to open a gap between themselves and rejuvenated AmaZulu, who have picked up seven points in their last three matches.
Substitute Lerato Chabangu scored a minute from time to give the Birds only their sixth win of the campaign, after defender-turned striker Ashraf Hendricks had cancelled out Moeketsi Sekola ’ s opener for Stars.
It was Swallows ’ first victory at home since they beat Polokwane City in August, a big boost in their bid to avoid relegation.
“I am very happy, especially for the boys because they have been trying so hard and luck was not there. It could have gone either way because both teams created chances,” Madida said.
“It ’ s quite tough down there. Pressure is there. I hope the boys will gain confidence going forward. ”
Madida is hoping fans will return to support Swallows at Dobsonville Stadium after the victory in midweek.
“Yes I hope they will come. We also got letters from pastors. It ’ s encouraging to know that we have pastors praying for us. We can ’ t battle alone. We have to battle with God,” Madida said.
Swallows travel to Mbombela tomorrow confident they can overcome a Mpumalanga Black Aces side struggling to get a win.
“We are encouraged after our win. It will be a tough game. If we beat them we will go over them on the log,” added the former Kaizer Chiefs marksman.