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KICKER: Birds' Gordon Igesund

 We did our best. We'll have a rest and recharge for next season 

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The Birds coach was speaking after his side's 1-0 victory against Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday, which saw Swallows finish a remarkable second in the PSL after fighting relegation last season.

Pirates defended their league title with a 4-2 defeat of Lamontville Golden Arrows in Durban.

"Pirates were certainly the best team," Igesund said. "I'm happy that we managed to get it down to the wire and make it exciting, which means we had a fantastic season. But to win a championship you have to be the best team. (Pirates) deserved to win the league and I want to salute them, and Dr (Irvin) Khoza. I also salute Augusto Palacios and of course Lucky Lekgwathi.

Igesund lauded his team for their second-placed finish. "I can't be more proud of my team than I am right now. We lost the least games and we scored more goals than any other team.

"I had the top goalscorer (Siyabonga Nomvethe with 20 goals) in my team. I had a contender for player of the year (David Mathebula) in my team. What more can I ask for?"

Swallows captain Lefa Tsutsulupa also said Pirates deserved their league title. "We did our best. We'll have a rest and recharge for next season."

Comments

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Wed Jun 19 01:54:31 SAST 2013 ::

May 21, 2012

asaowe

Gordon Igesund u have mi respect ua indeed true deserving coach of the year title
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May 21, 2012

Zane10

I salute you Gordon, you really are a very best coach... Thanks for making this a very entertaining league...

My DNA remains black & white and we going for the 2nd star!!!
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May 21, 2012

maftowncity

Oh,yes,you are right Mr Igesund, Bucs played well and they showed a lot of character...and you also did well to transform The Birds and put them where they are...you must be commended for doing that sterling job...and i also noted your great success both as a player and manager..

And rubbing shoulders with great players during your heydays at Highlands Park as a player,its a plus...the likes of Des Backos,Martin Cohen,Mike Collins,Mike Lambert,Stuart Lilley,Greg Jacoby,Julie Kaplan,Eugene Kleinhans,Geoff Wegerly...list goes on....

Try next time Gordon, and all the best baba..
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May 21, 2012

dadaman1

And am glad you said you mind games against us didnt work,try your mind games when you competing with Sun-Chokers or the 5th spot finalist from the Zoo...

Once a Pirate,Always a Trebble Champion
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May 21, 2012

Bizzabo

Swallows the most improved team, I can safely say team of the season unfortunately they lost the league at the end. Yes they gave good account of themselves!
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May 21, 2012

ntiki

Gordon ur dry gin in did.
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May 21, 2012

Nyame1

Not team of the season(how can you say team of the sseason without any title). Swallows award is the most improved team of the year. Team of the season is Orlando pirates.

Thanks, Kabo yellow Sky is the limit.
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May 21, 2012

Bizzabo

Nyame1

operative word there was UNFORTUNATELY they lost the title!
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May 21, 2012

Leonidusreturns

Thank you Mr Igesund.
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May 21, 2012

Dandan

Stupid thing happened against Prates vs SS if that red card was not awarded we will be talking different story, all what we can say Pirates was lucky, I still dont know how they won after draws and losses against Santos
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