Birds Rest Etafia

Added: Friday, March 12, 2010 (13:21)

Moroka Swallows first choice goalkeeper Greg Etafia will not take part in this weekend's Telkom Knockout Cup clash against holders Ajax Cape Town.

Swallows coach Rainer Zobel says although Etafia is fit, the key minder is off this weekend is to give him a rest and also to afford the other goalkeepers a chance to taste action.

Aubrey Mathibe, Swallows brilliant second goalkeeper a strong candidate for the number one jersey with Odwa Pato set to deputise him.

"We will definitely change our goalkeeper. We want to take a look at the other keepers in a match situation. We have Greg as a good goalkeeper, but what will happen if he is injured and the other goalkeepers do not have any experience?" asks Zobel.

Zobel says he is concerned about the uncertainty regarding the availability of key player and Captain, Lefa Tsutsulupa, who is in a race against time to be fit for their Last 16 match and the suspension of in-form striker Siyabonga Nomvete. However, this is a good opportunity to test the strength of other players in the squad.

"Lefa picked up a knock in our last match and I am not certain whether he will be available or not, or whether he will play the full match if he recovers in time.

Zobel says he is hoping that his players will carry their League form to Cup action when they come up against Ajax who are the reigning Telkom Knockout Cup holders.

Swallows have come through as the League's in-form team having been impressive since the restart of the 2009/10 campaign in January. I hope that that form will hold against Ajax this weekend. We do not mind whether we are playing home or away, or what is happening in the other camps," says the coach.

"The match can go either way but I am confident. We will go out there and play our usual style.

Story Credit: Mthulisi Sibanda - KickOff.com