Moroka Swallows stand-in coach Musa Nyatama believes his crisis-hit squad will defy the odds in the 2023/24 season if they address one area.
The Dube Bird’s current state is undoubtedly a recipe for relegation. As it stands, they are flirting with the relegation axe, sitting in 14th position on the DStv Premiership table.
Moreso, there has been a fiery job carnage at Swallows after 22 players who protested over salaries in December were sacked.
However, the club recalled some of the players, including Daniel Akpeyi, Tlakusani Mthethwa, Gabadinho Mhango and Sipho Sibiya.
Prior to that, they failed to fulfil their fixtures against Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows. So chaotic is the Dube Birds’ camp that coach Steve Komphela was not on the bench against Polokwane City on Saturday.
The former Kaizer Chiefs mentor is yet to resume his duties at the club on the pretext that he has yet to receive official communication to that effect.
Komphela voiced out his frustration on why the club management has not communicated since stopping training in December.
On Saturday, Swallows lost 1-0, with Mokibelo Ramabu securing the goal that Polokwane City FC needed to win.
WHAT STAND-IN COACH MUSA NYATAMA SAID
Amid the uncertainty, stand-in coach Musa Nyatama is hopeful they will defy the odds and manage to remain afloat in the DStv Premiership.
The former Orlando Pirates midfielder said they must fix their strike force if they are to entertain hopes of preserving their status.
“We need to work on the offensive side; defensively, we are okay. Even though I would say we conceded a soft goal,” he said. “But going forward, I think we should work on it; defensively, we were solid. Each and every match will be a conditioning match for us, and we are taking it one game at a time.
“We always try our level best to bring and help those players, whether coming in or those ones already here.”
Nyatama added: “I’m not the only one, there is a technical team behind, helping this team to be better. It’s always difficult. It’s the first game of the year, especially after the [AFCON] break. You could see how many players were new.
“About four players who were new, and how many days did we get to prepare the team? It has only been about ten days.
“It will take time for them to get there. The entire back four is new, but we always try to motivate.”
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