Swallows set for GladAfrica Championship bow

Swallows FC will officially make their return to the GladAfrica Championship (formally known as the National First Division) on Friday afternoon.

This after the Premier Soccer League (PSL) this week approved the application made by businessman David Mogashoa to rename Macabi FC following his purchase of the club from Norman Allan for a reported R8-million.

Swallows kicked off their season with a 1-1 draw at home to TS Sporting last weekend, and while the wait to reclaim their official status of 'Moroka Swallows' continues, the famous maroon kit will make its welcomed return in Cape Town this weekend.

The Dobsonville club will take on Cape Umoya United in the opening game of the weekend at Athlone Stadium. Umoya, who are coached by former Kaizer Chiefs defender Dominic Isaacs, lost 2-1 away to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in the opening round of fixtures.

"Soccer is not like baking cake, it takes time and when we do get it right it will be very difficult to beat us, but our next game is at home, we need to pick up three points at home," said Isaacs following the defeat.

The action resumes on Saturday with two matches. Notably, Free State Stars will play their first home game since suffering relegation to South Africa's second tier.

Ea Lla Koto, who lost 3-2 away to Ajax Cape Town last weekend, have strengthened their squad with gospel music star Mzoxolo Rafani.

Three games will follow on Sunday with Jomo Cosmos away to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in Thohoyandou while Mbombela United and Real Kings will play host to Ajax Cape Town and JDR Stars respectively.

Ezenkosi held TS Galaxy to a 0-0 draw in their season opener and assistant coach Siza Selby Dlamini feels that the result is a good foundation for the club in their quest for a return to the Absa Premiership.

"We knew that they would be moving the ball around, they are a good team and we had to make sure we kept our lines tight and that everyone moved together.

"I am very happy and we are very excited for the season," said Dlamini following the game in Kameelrivier.

This weekend's reduced fixture list is largely due to the ongoing legal battle surrounding GladAfrica Championship clubs Royal Eagles and Uthongathi, while TS Galaxy are in Confederations Cup action this weekend.

The Rockets, who won the Nedbank Cup last season, will take on Seychelles club Saint Louis Suns United following a 1-0 win over the same opponents in the first leg.

Full Fixture List:

Friday:

Cape Umoya United v Swallows FC

Saturday:

TS Sporting v Richards Bay

Free State Stats v Pretoria University FC

Sunday:

Mbombela United v Ajax Cape Town

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila v Jomo Cosmos

Real Kings v JDR Stars