Once-mighty Dube Birds stagger into amateur ranks

MOROKA Swallows staggered into the uncertain world of the fourth division, having overstayed their welcome in the higher ranks of South African football.

A 2-1 defeat by Orange Vaal Professionals in their last match of the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League at Qedilizwe Stadium on Saturday delivered the endgame for the once-mighty Dube Birds, who departed with barely a flicker of resistance.

On their way out of semiprofessional football to the disorganised amateur ranks of the SAB Regional League‚ there was no arguing at the exit door as they fetched their coats in shame.

As they departed with their 70-year-old rich history‚ it was difficult to imagine whether they would ever come back or whether this was the end for this once-strong brand in South African football.

On the other hand‚ Swallows’ relegation comes as no surprise as they have been besieged by internal strive for many years, which resulted in them being relegated from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) at the end of the 2014-15 season.

That was followed by another relegation from the Na- tional First Division (NFD) to the ABC Motsepe League last year, and they have now been relegated to the Safa Regional League.

Swallows went into their last match of the season having played 29 matches – where they accumulated 24 points from five wins, nine draws and 15 losses – and needing victory to have any chance of staying in the ABC Motsepe League.

Swallows‚ who have produced many household names since their formation in 1947‚ find themselves in this undesirable situation as a result of many years of poor administration.

Swallows finished in second place in the Absa Premiership and won the MTN8 trophy in 2012‚ and continued to produce quality players in the latter years of their existence. – TMG Digital