Moroka Swallows will be looking to build on their victory against Platinum Stars when they meet big spending Mamelodi Sundowns at Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

'Birds' assistant coach Zeca Marques, is aware of the threat posed by Downs who thumped bottom club Jomo Cosmos 3-1 at the Super Stadium on Sunday, to take a lot of pressure off their Bulgarian coach, Hristo Stoichkov.

Said Marques: "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.

"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."

What pleased Marques and head coach Rainer Zobel, was the way the defence played against Stars.

"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.

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

Cichon, who was born in Poland and played most of his career in Germany -mainly at FC Cologne ? at 33 years of age played like a player half his age against Stars.

The fact Richie was named Man for the Match, was down to Cichon's encouragement.

Added Marques: "Richie is only 19 and this is his first season in the PSL and he has already won two Man of the Match awards. "I reckon this kid has real potential."

The 'Birds' defence will come under more pressure from the Premiership's leading goal scorer, Katlego Mphela, who took his tally to 10 goals after scoring against Cosmos, while Lebo Mokoena impressed on the right wing against Cosmos.

Benedict Vilakazi made a brilliant cameo performance for Downs coming on with 30 minutes to go, scored the second goal and kept the over worked Cosmos defenders under pressure until the final whistle.

Said Marques: "I was impressed by Mphela and the pace that Sundowns have on the wings.

"We are going to have to cancel out those threats. But this promises to be a really good game as both teams come off good wins."

Marques said another player who he expects to raise his game against his former club is gangly striker Lungisani Ndlela.

"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."

Captain Lefa Tsutsulupa continues to lead by example, both on and off the field, and continues to drive the midfield and will play another key role against Sundowns.