Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

Moroka Swallows host the fiery Bloemfontein Celtic in a Castle Premiership game at Johannesburg Stadium on Sunday, fresh from their ignominious defeat by Ajax Cape Town in the Telkom Knockout Cup.

The Birds are a sorry sight and their recent performance leaves much to be desired.

They may be a good side, but they seem to have run out of the hunger to win.

The Birds need to redeem themselves against Phunya Sele Sele, who have no respect for big teams.

Sipho Xulu, Swallows' general manager, said they were concerned about the team's poor performances and have called an urgent management meeting to thrash out their problems.

"We're going to pick up the pieces and make a strong comeback against Celtic. We have disappointed our supporters and we apologise," he said.

Captain Goodman Mazibuko and Cecil Oersen are out of Sunday's game after they picked up injuries in their midweek cup disaster.

Celtic's coach Tony De Nobrega said Swallows are a good, balanced side but they hope that Siwelele, their supporters, will come in large numbers to spur them on to victory.

He said Moses Spandeel and Gary Goldstone are injured, while John Maduka is suspended, but they will juggle the team.

"Maduka will be replaced by either Abram Nteo or Tipa Bienvenu."

De Nobrega is worried by Mame Niang, Swallows' tall striker.