Officially: Moroka Swallows return to the Betway Premiership

Under Mokoena's guidance, the return of PSL giants Moroka Swallows has been confirmed. The announcement was made during Thabiso Mosia's sports program on Radio 2000.

Mokoena emphasized that the club will now be known as Moroka Swallows SC (Sports Club), expanding to include additional sporting disciplines such as netball and basketball.

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The club is set to take the field on Saturday, facing Wits in the Hollywoodbets SAFA Regional League's Johannesburg region.

The Story of the Return: A Rich History of Local Titles

Mokoena outlined an ambitious vision, stating that the goal is to establish Moroka Swallows as one of the largest sports clubs on the African continent. He revealed that discussions are currently underway with the City of Johannesburg to secure venues, with a particular focus on Soweto.

He went on to explain that the club now encompasses multiple sporting codes beyond football, including basketball and netball, though football remains the core business and the heart of the club's identity and heritage. He also mentioned plans to introduce additional codes such as running and rugby in the future.

Moroka Swallows holds a special place in South African football history as one of the country's oldest and most iconic clubs. Known affectionately as the Dube Birds, the club was established in Soweto in 1974 and, alongside Orlando Pirates, played a pivotal role in shaping both township football and the subsequent professional game in the country.

The club's more recent journey has been turbulent. Relegation in 2015 marked the beginning of a decline through the divisions. A community-driven effort eventually helped the Dube Birds climb back to the Premier Soccer League, but fresh financial troubles and player strikes in late 2023 stalled their momentum. In 2024, the club made the difficult decision to sell its top-flight status to Marumo Gallants.

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The club's trophy cabinet includes PSL titles, with a South African Soccer League championship in 1965. On the domestic cup front, Swallows have lifted the Nedbank Cup five times (1983, 1984, 1989, 2004 as the ABSA Cup, and 2009), the MTN 8 on three occasions (1975, 1979, 2012), the Sales House Cup in 1978, and the NSL Challenge Cup in 1988, along with various lower division titles.

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

Related teams and leagues

Moroka Swallows

South African Betway Premiership