AFTER watching as Moroka Swallows' hopes of defending their MTN8 title vanished on Saturday, coach Zeca Marques says the 1-1 draw with Bloemfontein Celtic was yet another disappointment in their tough Absa Premiership campaign.

Needing a victory to stand any chance of staying in the all-important top eight, the stalemate left Swallows languishing in ninth as the season came to an end.

The Birds are the holders of the MTN8 title, having beaten SuperSport United 2-1 in this season's final.

"It's a disappointment that we can't defend our trophy now as we would have loved," Marques said after the game.

"Overall, I think this will give us a chance to reflect on our season as we prepare for the new challenge in the coming season.

"Every season has its different challenges. Football will always change and you've got to be on par with the changes."

The Birds finished in the bottom half of the Absa Premiership table after wins for the University of Pretoria and Free State Stars meant Swallows fell off the pace.

Swallows and Tuks both finished the season level on 40 points but Steve Barker's charges edged the Soweto outfit on goal difference.

Having finished second on the log table last season, Swallows began the 2012-13 campaign on a high and their form saw them lift the MT8, but following their trophy, the wheels came off, something which coach Marques describes as thought-provoking.

"It was frustrating season, considering we started very well. We won the MTN8 and I thought we were good but well fell through the cracks," he said. "I think we gave away about 18 points because of individual mistakes. We came back very strong but were not consistent and that cost us dearly."

But Marques remains positive looking at the season ahead .

"Even though we are not in the Top 8 (MTN8), there are still two very important trophies to play for. The Nedbank Cup is a very important trophy to me and so is the league.

"We can't carry on the same way we are."