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BEATEN: Lerato Chabangu of Swallows scores a goal while Wayne Sandilands of Sundowns try to save it during the MTN8 second leg semifinal on Sunday. Photo: Gallo Images

OPTIMISTIC: Moroka Swallows coach Zeca Marques

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The Beautiful Birds reached the final in swashbuckling style, drawing the first leg 3-3 and on Sunday producing a devastating three-goal burst in the opening 20 minutes to eventually run out 3-2 winners (6-5 on aggregate). They will meet SuperSport United in the final on September 22.

Igesund worked a near-miracle by taking Swallows from near-certainties for relegation in 2010-11 to runners-up last season. It was never going to be easy for Marques, who was Igesund's assistant, to fill the four-time league winner's shoes when Igesund left in the off-season to become Bafana Bafana coach.

Marques said reaching the MTN final will give his side the confidence they need for the season.

"The pressure on me as coach stays and will always be there - but I can tell you this: I love it when a plan comes together," he said.

"There's nothing like proving people wrong, and that's what motivates me. And I keep telling my players that we've got a lot to prove this year.

"I'll keep driving that because it's not over yet - this is just the beginning. After today we've got to focus on the final. After the final we've got Orlando Pirates in the league, and then we've got the rest of the season."

Swallows' victory in the two legs against Downs followed a 3-1 opening defeat to Platinum Stars in the Premiership.

Speculation was that an ageing Swallows squad might not have another successful year left in them. Marques said the MTN run, where they also beat AmaZulu 2-0 in the first round, proved that the Birds can be competitive again this season. "We know it's not going to be easy. It's about raising your game and playing above yourself ..."

Comments

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Sat May 18 15:23:11 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 28, 2012

ancnduntsu

@1937
I foresee Mcfatty scoring a hatrick in the final.
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Aug 28, 2012

ancnduntsu

@1937
I foresee RODENT FC winning this cup for the 3rd time.
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Aug 28, 2012

MorenaWaPolelo

I think that is to early to call!!
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Aug 28, 2012

mbaliwe

@ancnduntsu

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha you have made my day brother...
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Aug 28, 2012

Papage

Swallows might have played well to score those goals in 19 minutes, but there is no ways they will beat Supper Sport, Gavin is going to punish the slow defenders and not so serious Goal keeper. Sundowns was never there, they made lots of mistakes in the first half, I mean they controlled the game but ended up losing, there is no Coach at sundowns, with so much players and experiance, the Coauch is confused, he needs help. Supper Sport will do what they did to Pirates and take the 8 million.
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Aug 28, 2012

sdakwa

All the best MASWAI-SWAI, its about time you claim your rightfull position in our football. You really deserve something for your efforts, something that will make your faithfull supporters happy, just to pay them back for their loyalty.

UP THE BUCS
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Aug 28, 2012

PANJOdeTIGER

SSU will take this one! and those who talks a lot askies maybe nxt season...
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Aug 28, 2012

ancnduntsu

@sdakwa
All the best MASWAI-SWAI, its about time you claim your rightfull position in our football. You really deserve something for your efforts, something that will make your faithfull supporters happy, just to pay them back for their loyalty.

UP THE BUCS
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Is your RODENT FC playing in the FINAL? I thought you got a TREBLE(3-0) from SSU. Plz correct me if I'm wrong.
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Aug 28, 2012

Tiehom

I understand MALEMA was called to calm the situation on saturday night for RODENTS FC not to burn the stadium. SHAPA SSU SHAPA
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