Marques wants 35 goals from 35 year-old

Nomvete – who was the League top scorer last season with 20 League goals – opened up his tally for the new season by scoring the second goal for his club in the 2-0 MTN8 quarter-final win over AmaZulu yesterday immediately prompting Marques into raising his expectations on the man who will also ironically turn 35 in December.

"I have actually set Nomvete a target of 35 goals. One game, one goal! We will have to work very hard at it but I think he has the capacity to score goals if he focuses and concentrates on his technical abilities he can improve. We want more from Nomvete this season," declares Marques.

"However, it is not only Nomvete that we are looking at delivering goals for us. There are a lot of players that can contribute and I am glad that Lerato scored because we discussed that just like I did with Lefa Tsutsulupa.

"Everyone must take the responsibility of scoring goals and not let it all fall to one guy," adds the new Swallows boss.

Marques also says he feels relieved to have won his first official match in charge since taking over from Gordon Igesund after a rough pre-season in which critics were already wielding their sharp edged knives.

"I can breathe now," he says.

"This game showed what we are capable of doing because it was a solid performance overall and I am delighted for some of the players especially Lerato Chabangu who won ‘Man of the Match'. He is a player that people are always looking at the negative side of things about him," says Marques.

"My transition from assistant coach to head coach has not been a difficult one but it takes time because I am not a switch that is turned on and off. The players also understand it and have got to terms with that I am now wearing a suit now. I think the continuity has been important and the players know their functions.

"We have a great team spirit here at the club and we all want to take the same direction. I have expectations on myself because I want to achieve things and be a successful coach at this club. I want to win trophies and reach cup finals.

"I want to be part of that process of achieving great things. I know the expectations that come with me being the head coach and I want to take them on," he adds.