The Team of Choice face the Birds in the TKO opening round on Saturday night at the Harry Gwala Stadium (20H15 kick off).

The visiting side will be without top striker Siyabonga Nomvethe, who recently underwent surgery. But in Katlego Mashego, Lerato Chabangu, David Mathebula, Bennett Chenene and Lefa Tsutsulupa, Swallows have plenty of danger-men in their ranks.

The Team of Choice head into this game on the back of a 1-0 win to Chippa United, and will be hoping for another clean sheet, as well as increased potency in attack if they are to overcome the Gauteng team.

United will be without attacking midfielder Mthokozisi Yende who is suspended after being sent off against Chippa.

Maritzburgunited.co.za chatted to a couple of players to get their thoughts ahead of the clash.

Terrence Mandaza

“With the preparations we have done, we are confident we can win this game. At every training session we have worked hard on our passing and finishing.

“As strikers we are determined to convert more of our chances. Being at home for this game, with our supporters behind us, we are going to do everything we can to score goals and help the team to beat Swallows and go through to the next round.”

Byrone Hendricks

“Swallows are the in-form team. They won the MTN8, they are up there in third in the league, they finished second last season. So this is going to be a very tough encounter, they are a very offensive team, but they do have weaknesses, and we are working on [exploiting] that.

“For us, each game we play is vital and we treat every match like a cup game, so we’ll be up for and ready for this match.”

Mario Booysen

“Its not a bad draw at all. Swallows are not a small team, but also not one of the big clubs. But no matter who we were going to play against, the main thing is to focus on our own game, not on the other team.

“The guys are positive, we feel we are heading in the right direction and there were some good aspects from our win over Chippa last week. We are a side that has quality and experience.

“The main thing will be to focus on our game-plan, go out there against Swallows and listen to the coaches’ instructions. Swallows are a team that has done well this season, but we believe that if we are at our best we can beat them.

“Playing at home will of course be a big advantage. We get great support there and hopefully the fans will come out in their numbers and make it tough for Swallows.”

Tickets for Saturday Nights Telkom Knock out Fixture vs Moroka Swallows are available at the Club Offices at 397 Victoria Road. R40 for adults and R10 for Kids.