Unity in the Swallows camp and the influence of experienced players is lauded as the high-flying side prepares for Orlando Pirates in their next match. 

The Birds are oozing with confidence following their 3-2 win over Cape Town City in their first match of the new year on Tuesday.

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Brandon Truter’s side is second on the DStv Premiership log, though tied on 21 points with Mamelodi Sundowns, with both teams having won six and drawn three from their respective nine matches.

Winger Joseph Mhlongo says the mixture of youth and experience has been key in their impressive season, with Lebohang ‘Cheeseboy’ Mokoena, Thabo Matlaba and Musa Nyatama among those commended for their role in the team’s success so far in the campaign.   

“The experience of the players that we have in the team has been key. I mean, your Thabo Matlaba, Vuyo Mere, Cheeseboy Mokoena, (Wandisile) Letlabika at the back, (Sifiso) Hlanti and a lot of other guys,” said Mhlongo. 

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“And there are young boys that are coming, (Given) Thibedi has been doing well, there’s (Kgaogelo) Sekgota who’s been doing well on the wing, (Zaphaniah) Mbokoma, (Ruzaigh) Gamildien and Sammy Seabi is also there and guiding. So, it’s a mixture of players who have been there and are not selfish to share information with the younger ones. The youngsters are willing to learn,” the former Black Leopards man added. 

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“I mean, a guy like Musa Nyatama is there and guiding whether he is playing or not. Another thing you need to know is that even the older guys, the experienced players are willing to learn from the younger players. Furthermore, the coach has been very good, and he allows us to express ourselves. He and his technical team have been key,” concluded Mhlongo.   

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