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Seasoned campaigner says he is happy with his game as he’s helping youngsters.
Moroka Swallows boss David Mogashoa is part of a new generation of football club owners who are active on social media. His constant interactions with the club’s followers provides regular updates around Swallows’ affairs – on and off the field – have really injected some new energy into the brand.
It’s a far cry from a club once accused of being stuck in the past.
This week, Mogashoa proclaimed on Twitter that the fallen Soweto football powerhouse “will grow to be the giant it was back then”.
The bold declaration was accompanied by an image of a small car parked next to the team’s luxury coach, both branded in Swallows’ maroon and white colours.
“Watch this space. It will happen in our lifetime,” noted the man whose money helped save Swallows from extinction.
Since the Johannesburg-based entrepreneur and his management team, which includes Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, pulled off the revival of the club seven months ago, The Birds have been flying high, despite a slow take-off. As Swallows’ traditional rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates bid for an elusive league title in the premier division, The Birds have been quietly setting their own agenda in the second tier.
Swallows head into their GladAfrica Championship fixture against Royal Eagles unbeaten in eight games.
The Birds have collected 21 points out a possible 24 and his side has been soaring in the top three.
It is fitting that it’s Swallows’ turn to get exposure - their game at Harry Gwala Stadium was beamed live on television.
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While Swallows are made up of virtually unknown players, the team has enlisted the services of seasoned campaigners Lebohang “Cheeseboy” Mokoena and Vuyo Mere.
“We know what is at stake, and consistency is key for any team bidding for promotion to the big league,” said Mokoena, a former Pirates midfielder.
“We started slowly because the early days were a period of transition and the players were also trying to understand the philosophy of the coaches,” he said.
Swallows have already undergone a coach change this season.
Zeca Marques was fired after just five games in charge. He was replaced by Brandon Truter, who boasts vast coaching experience in the first division.
In 16 league games under Truter, the team has won 10 and are on 37 points – five adrift of leaders Ajax Cape Town.
“Coach Truter has been around in this league and even PSL teams are aware of his capabilities,” Mokoena said, vouching for the former Richards Bay FC tactician. “We are a brand-new team and it is still too early to say we’ll gain promotion, even though we have done well in our first season together.”
The 33-year-old added that the support from the club’s hierarchy and their lofty ambitions rub off on the players, helping them to believe they can reach the promised land.
“The supporters have also played a big role. We see the numbers increasing at some of our games. They are praying for us to get back [to the elite league]. They are yearning for another Soweto derby in the Premiership [other than just the Chiefs versus Pirates clash].”
Mokoena knows the feeling, having featured in the epic Soweto titans’ fixtures during his time at Bucs.
Reflecting on a career spanning 17 years, the Diepkloof-born Mokoena said he had no regrets, even though people might have different opinions.
“For now, I’m enjoying my football and sharing the experience with the young players. How long I can still go on depends on my body and if it can keep up with the pace,” said Cheeseboy, who turns 34 in September.
It is interesting that Swallows face the Eagles side that set in motion The Birds’ first victory of the campaign with a 3-2 win in Dobsonville in September.
The top three NFD sides still have to eliminate each other in the remaining eight games.
Swallows will host Uthongathi FC in a fortnight and then play Ajax away next month.
The final fixture of the GladAfrica Championship will be played on May 3. The champions will earn automatic promotion to the Absa Premiership, while the second- and third-placed NFD teams will face a 15th-ranked Premiership team in the promotion/relegation play-offs.
. Catch the Eagles and Swallows game live on SuperSport 4 at 1pm
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