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rebirth of Bhele

Siyabonga Nomvethe of Moroka Swallows celebrates after scoring a goal
Siyabonga Nomvethe of Moroka Swallows celebrates after scoring a goal

THERE was a lot of hype and high expectations from Moroka Swallows supporters when Siyabonga "Bhele" Nomvethe joined the Soweto side from Danish club Aalborg BK this season.

THERE was a lot of hype and high expectations from Moroka Swallows supporters when Siyabonga "Bhele" Nomvethe joined the Soweto side from Danish club Aalborg BK this season.

Nomvethe's move to the Birds' aviary was also described by many commentators as a "coup" for a Swallows side that was keen on making ground in the Absa Premiership this term.

But the hype quickly disappeared, thanks to Nomvethe's sluggish start to the season.

The former Bafana Bafana striker continued to disappoint as the season progressed and Maswaiswai, the Birds supporters, started to question the wisdom of the club management in bringing "this old player" to the nest.

Adding to Nomvethe's frustrations was a recurring injury that sidelined him for almost two months.

But humble as he is, Nomvethe did not react angrily to those who called him a flop. He has been in this game long enough to know how to handle himself under such circumstances.

Instead, he worked hard at training and in the gym to regain his fitness and scoring form. Six goals in four matches is the result. But he feels the hard work is far from over.

"Obviously I'm happy that I'm starting to score, but one thing for sure I will not sit on my laurels," said Nomvethe, who has scored eight goals in total this season.

"I still have a season left on my contract at Swallows. I think I will be a better player next season."

He netted both the goals in the 2-1 win over Mauritian champions Pamplemousse in their African Confederation Cup match in Mauritius a fortnight ago and will be under the spotlight for the return leg at Rand Stadium tomorrow.

Kickoff is at 3.30pm

At 32 Nomvethe is not talking about retirement. "I feel like a youngster, how can I talk about retirement," he said.

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