Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

Olen Park Stadium, Moroka Swallows' alternative venue, has been a hoodoo ground for the Birds.

Now they will take their clash against Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday at 3.30pm to Olympia Park.

The two meet in an Absa Premiership encounter in what could be a no-holds-barred affair after both were bundled out of the Nedbank Cup.

Swallows lost to Santos and Chiefs went down to Mamelodi Sundowns in Ke Yona, so it will be a new ball game for the two sides.

The Birds have never won at Olen Park and hope Lady Luck will smile on them and register a win against Amakhosi at their new home ground.

Swallows general manager Sipho Xulu said Germiston Stadium was unavailable and the option was Olympia Park.

"Olen Park was our alternative venue, but defeats we suffered at that ground prompted our supporters to request us not to play there anymore. We hope we get results at this new venue," he said.

Xulu added that they were playing a team which is on song and expected a tough encounter on the day.

Swallows beat their opponents 2-1 in the first round and it will not be easy for them in the second round, taking into account how Amakhosi are playing lately.

Chiefs team manager Bobby Motaung said their defeat against Sundowns was water under the bridge and they would concentrate on the league.

"The guys are playing the kind of football we've been yearning for. The confidence is back in the team and everybody is working hard.

Swallows top goalscorer James Chamanga is bound to go for goals in order to increase his tally on the goalscoring chart. He will be assisted by Evans Gwekwerere, Cecil Oersen, Lefa Tsutsulupa and Bevan Fransman.

Chiefs will be without Shaun Bartlett, who is injured, and Derrick Spencer, who is suspended but will bank on Mabhuti Khenyeza, Kaizer Motaung junior, Jimmy Tau and Siphiwe Tshabalala.