Birds wary of unknown Amatuks

MOROKA Swallows cannot afford to take the University of Pretoria lightly when the teams meet in a Premiership clash in Dobsonville this evening, according to coach Zeca Marques.

“The fact is, we can’t underestimate our opposition, they have made some intelligent signings,” Marques said.

“They want to prove their worth in the PSL and they know what they are up against. We don’t know what motivates them at the moment, so we have got to be very cautious.”

Swallows are fourth in the league standings, with two wins and a loss from their first three fixtures, while AmaTuks have been the surprise package of the competition thus far, remaining unbeaten and holding rivals SuperSport United to a goalless draw in their last league outing.

The Birds boss was sweating over the fitness of veteran striker Siyabonga Nomvethe, who picked up a foot injury in Swallows’ 3-0 drubbing of Orlando Pirates two weeks ago.

Marques confirmed Nomvethe would undergo a late fitness test this morning to determine his availability for tonight’s match.

Meanwhile, in this evening’s only other fixture, Maritzburg United host Free State Stars at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.

Both sides are flying high, with seven points from their first three matches.

Maritzburg are second in the standings, narrowly ahead of Stars on goal difference. – Sapa