In our new feature Supporters Forum, KickOff speaks to fanatical Swallows supporter Mandla Sibeko on his long-standing love affair with the Dube Birds.
Name Of Supporter...
"My name is Mandla Sibeko. Spikiri is a nickname. I'm from Alex. I've got my own business, I'm hustling. I deliver food like these Ubers do."
Club Supported...
"I've always been a Swallows supporter. I used to stay in Soweto back then. We were part of the big three then."
How Long Supported...
"From 1976. We used to follow football on the radio listening to legendary commentators like 'Sjula Somkhonto' and Koos Hadebe. Swallows had big names like Congo Malebane, Tornado Ntsibande and Andries Maseko then."
Are You Happy with the Bosses...
"Yes, I can say we are happy though they are running a club without a sponsor. I think if they can get a sponsor everything will be fine. Panyaza Lesufi and David Mogashoa we have to thank them for bringing the team back. We have confidence in them. Once they get a sponsor players will be paid in time, and they'll be happy."
Are You Happy with the Coach?
"No, I was not happy with Ernst Middendorp. He is not a fan of attractive football. He relies too much on set-pieces. He is not good for a team from Soweto like Swallows. Football nowadays they don't allow our players to showcase their skills. Musa Nyatama should carry on until the end of the season. He understands Swallows type of football not this skop en donder type of football."
Are You Happy with the Players?
"No, I'm not happy with the players we need more. But now that the FIFA transfer ban has been lifted, things might be better. Now that the ban has been lifted, we need to add more players. If we can get another six or seven points, we will be safe. We are on 24 points."
Who do you want them to sign?
"Mpho Makola will be good, especially in set-pieces. He is my boy from Alex. But the problem is he is an injury-prone player. But if he is fit, I'm definitely sure he can do the job for us because at the moment we need experienced players to take us back where we belong."
Your message to the team...
"Big up to the management, we support them, we behind them. Please get us a sponsor you will see the team will prosper. To the players, please know that the jersey that you are wearing is very heavy, you are wearing a big brand in South African football history. Please wear it with pride and know that in every game we need a result. As Spikiri SamaSwaiSwai I will always be behind you."