Swallows must build a strong nest

The return of The Dube Birds to the top-flight of South African football brought joy to many senior citizens who have been following the club for decades. Previously known as Moroka Swallows, nowadays the Soweto-based side are known as Swallows FC, after falling through the cracks in the lower divisions until they flew back into the Premiership by winning the GladAfrica Championship last month.

Swallows’ former striker Katlego Mashego (right), says the return of the Dube Birds was one of the best outcomes during the global coronavirus pandemic.

“This is the best thing that could happen to football given the circumstances with the pandemic. Swallows are one of the best teams, they are an historical team and they have the support. Their history is so rich and it was a bit of an injustice that Swallows were playing in the lower divisions,” Mashego told The Citizen.

“Now that they are back in the Premiership, the club will need to consolidate and try stay in the league because South Africa needs to have Swallows in the big league...they are a big team and they deserve to compete up there against the best. I would say the same about Jomo Cosmos, those are the kind of clubs you would want in the league. Those are the clubs you want with the history that they have. Without them, it just becomes a bit of a let-down,” he added.

While Mashego is pleased to see his former side competing in the top-flight, the retired marksman is also disappointed about another of his ex-teams, Bidvest Wits’ extinction, as their status has been bought by Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila owner Masala Mulaudzi.

“What happened with Bidvest Wits is very sad because that team was almost 100 years old and now they are gone. When you have these big teams in the league, the quality of the league also improves and Swallows are one of those teams that I am glad to have been involved with.”