Moroka Swallows boosted their hopes of upsetting arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs in Wednesday night's Soweto Derby at the Orlando Stadium, when they scored a hard fought 2-0 win over Maritzburg United at Dobsonville on Sunday.

The win over United ended 'Birds' early season slump and has revived spirits in the camp. It lifted morale and given the players back their self belief and a real fighting chance of beating 'Amakhosi', according to assistant coach Zeca Marques.

Said Marques: "This was a crucial win for us. We simply had to get the three points under our belts now we go into the match against Chiefs with a lot more confidence than we had before playing Maritzburg.

"There is nothing like a win as a tonic to lift the players and everyone involved in the team."

It was 'Birds' third win on 10 fixtures and lifted them to 11 points. Two late goals from Sibusiso Khumalo and David Radebe sunk United.

Both sides had a player sent off in the second half ? Swallows' central defender Ashraf Hendricks and United striker Norman Smith went for early showers in the tight hard fought match.

Said the German born coach: "We showed team work and fighting spirit and with that we can beat any side."

Zobel stressed that his players need to show the same commitment against Chiefs: "The team effort was important. The players played as a team and not as individuals.

"We showed what we could do against United with solid hard work and effort."

Marques singled out skipper and midfield general Lefa Tsutsulupa. "Lefa produced a captain's game. He was fantastic and led by example."

Marques also praised Zobel for giving the players a heart to heart talk during the two week Fifa break that helped Birds turn an important corner.

"That team talk sunk in. It was obvious we could not keep losing and dropping points the way we had been doing and the coach stepped in and now the players realise what is at stake and where their responsibilities lie."

Marques believes Khumalo, the South African Under-20 star defender who played in this month's World Youth Championships in Egypt, has a big future.

"We have encouraged Khumalo to go forward from his defensive position and have a go at goals. He has lacked confidence in the past but against United looked a different player and showed what potential he has.

"He has great pace and a tremendous shot that as we saw against United, can be deadly. I rate this youngster highly and believe he will be one of the bright stars of local soccer in the near future."

One player who looked lost and could become a huge flop unless he pulls up his socks is Zambian striker Collins Mbesuma who has yet to score since joining Swallows in the off-season.

Mbesuma at 35 looked his age and a ghost of the player that scored 35 goals helping Chiefs win the Premiership in 2005. He was replaced by livelier Lungisani Ndlela in the second half.

Mbesuma, became a legend at Chiefs in 2004/05, but could find himself warming the bench after a couple of indifferent displays. 'Amakhosi' warmed up for the Soweto Derby with a tough 2-2 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Super Stadium in one of the best matches of the season so far on Saturday.

Chiefs confidence will also ne high for what promises to be a hard fought Derby.