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Moroka Swallows are propping up the National First Division (NFD) after the one-time Soweto giants slumped to yet another defeat on Saturday.
The 2-1 loss to fellow former Absa Premiership campaigners AmaZulu echoed what has been the sad story so far for the one-time giants of South African football, who have now suffered nine defeats in 16 games so far in the campaign.
Swallows now have 42 points to play for to aid their cause for survival in the NFD, or else further obscurity awaits them in the ABC Motsepe League.
However, the negative result was not a true reflection of the game. Swallows could have at least salvaged a draw had they taken all their scoring chances.
The Birds took off just 21 minutes into the game courtesy of Khanyisani Sithole’s strike, but his effort was cancelled out by erstwhile Birds striker Siyabonga Nomvethe nine minutes later.
Petrus Shitembi gave Usuthu a lead going into the half-time break and the goal proved to be a decider as Swallows came out a better side in the second half.
Poor officiating by the match referee also held the home side back, including denying them what looked like a penalty late in the second half after the ball came off the hand of an AmaZulu defender.
Since their relegation to the second-tier league, Swallows have won just three matches in all competitions so far this season, including qualifying for the Nedbank Cup’s last 32.
They have dropped points freely, including the maximum haul they forfeited after their home fixture against Santos in October was cancelled due to lack of security personnel on the day.
The road to redemption won’t be a smooth one, as the flightless Birds will face sides they failed to beat in the first round.
They meet log leaders Baroka FC on Sunday, Royal Eagles on February 6 and Mthatha Bucks in a six-pointer at home on February 13.
Swallows must save their soul fast, otherwise the club’s historic pictures adorning the interior walls of Dobsonville Stadium will remain just a sad reminder of the force they used to be.
