Moroka Swallows assistant coach Zeca Marques has hailed the side's defensive unit ahead of the clash with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 'Dube Birds' recorded a 1-0 win over Platinum Stars on Saturday night, thanks largely to their back four, who kept the Tycoons at bay.

"The defence was solid, thanks to the way out new signing Thomas Cichon, has organised the back four and has encouraged the other defenders Keegan Richie, Ashraf Hendricks and Ramahlwe Mphahlele around him," Marques told SAPA.

"Cichon has been a revelation since he joined us and has made the world of difference at the back."

Marques believes that Wednesday will be a perfect time to face the Brazilians, who head into the game following a 3-1 rout over Jomo Cosmos.

"Both sides have been going through an indifferent start to the season and not really been able to stamp their authority on the league so far," he added.

"I watched Downs beat Cosmos and have a good idea what to expect. But at the same time I am glad to be playing them at this stage as a win over them would be a massive boost to our morale."

Meanwhile, Rainer Zobel's number two is expecting striker Lungisani Ndlela to come good against his former employers.

"Ndlela has improved in leaps and bounds and has started to work really hard and is now putting defences under pressure.

"We want him to continue against Sundowns," he concluded.

Football365.co.za