Moroka Swallows need to rediscover their winning mentality and stand up to be counted when they host Orlando Pirates in what promises to be an intriguing Absa Premiership Soweto Derby at the revamped Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday night. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.

Bird have got off to a poor start to their league campaign drawing 0-0 at home to Golden Arrows and then losing 2-1 away to newcomers Mpumalanga Black Aces last Wednesday night.

Said 'Birds' assistant coach Zeca Marques: "The players need to change their mindset. They need to start thinking about winning matches when they wake up and not when they get onto the pitch.

"This was not the sort of start that our new coach Rainer Zobel wanted. We underestimated Aces by taking them for granted and paid the price. We cannot afford to do that against a quality side like Pirates."

Marques said his players had to show Pirates and their fans they mean business. "We need to get stuck in and rise to the occasion.

They do not come much bigger than playing Pirates in Soweto.

"It will be the official opening of our new stadium and we want to make sure we get a result."

Marques is hoping the setback against newly promoted Aces would wake up his players against a Pirates side that are unbeaten in two league matches played so far.

'Bucs' defeated MTN8 finalists Ajax Cape Town 1-0 in Newlands and drew 0-0 at Ellis Park against Mamelodi Sundowns last Wednesday night.

"Pirates are already flying high this season and will be tough to beat. But we have the quality to surprise them, should we go into the game with the right winning attitude."

Marques is pinning his hopes on new strikers Collins Mbesuma, who played the 90 minutes against Aces, plus veteran former Bafana Bafana striker Siyabonga Nomvete and Lungisani Ndlela, to open up the well marshaled Bucs defence.

"All three players are new to the club and need time to gel, but they are getting there. We know individually and as a team Pirates are strong, but we also know how important it is for us to get a result.

"A win over Pirates would be a massive boost, b we will have to roll up our sleeves and go in and fight for the points. We have to improve big time on our performance against Aces."


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