Hollywoodbets Swallows coach Ntando Tyson Kebe will make three changes in his starting line-up when the reigning Border Super League champions lock horns with Naka Bulls in the Gold Cup quarterfinals encounter set to be staged in Pretoria on Saturday.
Kebe said he was planning to rest hooker Vuyisani Mavuso and replace him with Mihlai Mpafi, both hookers played for Border Bulldogs.
“It was not an easy decision because Mavuso is also a good player, but unfortunately he still has problems with his lower back hence we had to make the change,” Kebe told the Daily Dispatch on the sidelines of their last training session.
Another ex-Bulldogs left-flanker Sam Mabombo who’s been instrumental in the Swallows’ campaign was still nursing a hamstring injury and would be on the bench.
“We thought Sam would be ready to play in this game, but we have decided to replace him with Athenkosi Manentsa.
“Lonwabo Ntleki will move back to the centre because Sethu Tom will be appearing before a panel to plead his suspension, but anything can happen.
“There’s a chance Tom might get a ‘not guilty’ verdict and his suspension could get lifted and he can be available for selection, but we don’t want to rely on that.”
Kebe continued: “We have a good young base of players like Aphiwe Stemele and Siphelele Zono, they are young, but they listen to instructions and they are always willing to learn.
“Their rugby is showing improvement every time they play because they are working with experience forwards and take their advice and use it correctly, plus they’re gaining confidence week in and week out.”
Although Kebe had to plan for Naka Bulls, which he’s not seen in action, he was confident they would be able to match up to them. The Bulls are coming out of a 64-0 win against Bloemfontein Police, while Swallows managed to outclass Roodepoort 35-21 at NU1 rugby grounds.
“I don’t know their style of play, but one thing I know is that they will learn rugby from us because it’s either they are too strong, or they had no competition in their group which is a different story compared to us.
“I’ve heard they are a bunch of young guys eager to play so we are hoping to give them a good game of rugby, maybe we’ll match their standard of rugby.”
Last year Swallows were booted out of the competition in the group stages and Kebe plans to go further this time round.
“I’m not concerned with the high margins of scores the Bulls have been managing to get, because our preparations were great this week... they were more intense.
“And coming out of a victory at home gives us the confidence we need to bring it to them and everyone is finally ready to play and they are looking forward to play their role so the team can proceed to the next stage.”
Kebe also confirmed that right flanker Billy Dutton, who also played for the defunct Border Bulldogs, would be getting the captain’s armband while their captain, Samora Fihlani, would be attending to other pressing commitments locally.
“Billy is committed to the club and he has leadership skills and he’s a nice guy who is collected at all times and he can communicate well with the rest of the players.
“And this position needs a guy like him and he got the experience in this kind of thing because he’s led at provincial level as well.
“And it will mean a lot to him to lead the club,” said Kebe...