FACED with the threat of relegation, the last thing Moroka Swallows would wish for is a clash with a side topping the Absa Premiership standings.

But Ashraf Hendricks, the Birds defender-turned-striker, reckons tomorrow's Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs could be the spark Swallows require to launch their survival campaign.

"It doesn't matter who you are - as a player, when you know you're playing against Chiefs, you're up for it. You're always ready for such a game," Hendricks said yesterday ahead of tomorrow's clash at Dobsonville Stadium (7.30pm).

A win over Amakhosi would lift the Birds out of the relegation zone and, after becoming the first side to halt Chiefs when they were conquering all before them in the early part of the season, Hendricks is convinced that Swallows could pull off another shock.

"In the first round we were the first side to draw with them [1-1 at FNB Stadium]. We played very well in that game. But [tomorrow] is not about good football - it's about getting a result. We have to learn how to win ugly; create something from nothing," he said.

Hendricks has recently been moved from his usual central defensive duties to striker by former coach Fani Madida, in a move that smacked of desperation.

But for Hendricks, playing up front is nothing new.

"I have played there before. Obviously, the past six years I have been playing in defence, but adjusting to the striker's role hasn't been difficult."

Hendricks proved this when he scored in Swallows' 2-1 win over Free State Stars last week - the Birds' only success of what has been a terrible 2015.

But they were back to their losing ways at the weekend, as Mpumalanga Black Aces beat them 2-1 in Mbombela to leave them just five points ahead of bottom side AmaZulu.

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Tomorrow's fixtures

(all 7.30pm)

Orlando Stadium: Orlando Pirates v Aces, Loftus: Mamelodi Sundowns v Chippa United, Dobsonville: Swallows v Chiefs