Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

Moroka Swallows general manager Sipho Xulu believes that consistency could be the key to his side's success when they host Santos in the Nedbank Cup last-16 stage at Germiston Stadium on Friday at 8pm.

This encounter is bound to be fiery taking into account how the People's Team have been preying on the Birds.

Santos have become the hoodoo team to Swallows who have not won against them this season.

They played to a goalless draw in the Absa Premiership first round away and Swallows were humiliated 4-1 by their opponents in the second roundat home.

And it is likely that the Birds will be shown the exit when they meet their uncompromising and young opponents on Friday.

Xulu is a bit uncomfortable and was cautious when asked about the game. Although they beat the same Santos in the now defunct Absa Cup last-16 stage, Xulu believes that they will be faced with a mammoth task against their opponents.

"We beat them in the Absa Cup last-16 and advanced to the final and finally snatched the trophy. It was a leap year when we beat them in that competition and we believe that we'll do likewise this time round," he said.

"But we'll tread with caution if we hope to see our dreams of going through to the next stage becoming true. Santos are a good side and have been playing well lately, so we're bracing ourselves for a fight."

Players who could see the side through are James Chamanga, Goodman Mazibuko, Lefa Tsutsulupa and Thulani Ngcepe.

The rest of the fixtures: Saturday: Free State Stars v Ikapa Sporting (Welkom); Black Leopards v Matatiele Professionals (Thohoyandou); Vasco da Gama v AmaZulu (Vygieskraal, 8pm).

Sunday: Jomo Cosmos v Nathi Lions (Orkney); Kaizer Chiefs v Mamelodi Sundowns (Kings Park, 5pm).