MTNFootball

Swallows finished the previous season in second place and were pipped to the title by Orlando Pirates who finished two points ahead of them.

They will need to quickly get over the departure of their coach Gordon Igesund who has left to take the reigns at the South African national team.

The goalkeeping department looks solid again with Nigerian international Greg Etafia and Aubrey Mathibe battling it out for the number one position.

Swallows have always lacked consistency in defence and changed their back four consistently last season due to injuries and tight competition amongst the rejuvenated Birds.

The Dube Birds’ most potent weapon in their team is the midfield. They have a group full of household names including Joseph Makhanya, Lefa Tsutsulupa, Bennett Chenene and MacBeth Sibaya to call upon. David Mathebula who is the team’s playmaker was arguably the best player in the league last season as created and scored goals for his side.

The striking department is led by Siyabonga Nomvete, who is ageing but still has the thirst for goals and energy to terrorise defenders like he did in his youth. He was the Absa Premiership Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Top Goal Scorer in the 2011/12 Absa Premiership.

Mpho Maleka who is an experienced campaigner and a well proven goal scorer will add some variety and back up whilst the resurrected Lerato Chabangu will add gasoline to hot striking department.