Former Moroka Swallows midfielder Goodman Mazibuko says Swallows should fight to save their DStv Premiership status as relegation will have a detrimental effect on their senior supporters.
Swallows will be relegated should they fail to beat the University of Pretoria on Wednesday (3pm) at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
As things stand it’s an advantage to the Pretoria side. They’re on top of the playoffs log with five points. They need a point to go up while the Birds need a win to make sure they don’t end up playing in the GladAfrica Championship.
Mazibuko said the situation the team finds itself in is not ideal as they’re a big club. “This is not a good situation for the team but I’m sure the players will come to the party. I know when the situation is like this, the players are tense,” said Mazibuko.
“This is a big team and they have to do all they can to keep it in the PSL. If you’re a player in this situation (facing relegation) there’s always that thought that things might get worse. Each player must fight because it won’t be easy,” he said.
Ever since Swallows rose from the ashes, the club has been trying to create a new brand that young people will be attracted to. However, their old guard is the one who is visible and vocal about the club.
Having spent six years at the club, Mazibuko understands the importance of the older fans and believes relegation will hurt them. “Swallows is one of the big teams in SA, everyone knows that. It has a lot of supporters, people who support from home, elderly supporters,” said Mazibuko.
“(Relegation) will affect them because they love the club with their whole heart. Even though they don’t go to the grounds, they support the team with their all. They want the name of the team to be there and return to where it was before,” he said.
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