Swallows' new owner won't ruffle any feathers

The new owner of Moroka Swallows has no intention of tampering with the tradition and culture, the staff, logo or the maroon and white colours of the "Dube Birds" and will strive to maintain the club's proud history.

Dieter Bock, a German property owner and developer throughout Europe and South Africa, financed the deal to buy out David "Pine" Chabeli's majority shares through the FB Investment company together with Leon Prins, who will be the new managing director.

Gavin Bernstein, operations director of the team, disclosed that the team will remain in Johannesburg and Chabeli, who has over the years become the "father" of Swallows, has been appointed honorary president.

"Bra Pine will not be lost to Swallows," said Bernstein. "He will still offer the club his expertise and advice whenever needed and now that he will have more time without worrying about the day-to-day running of the club, he will probably revert back to his first love."

Chabeli's first love has always been to attend amateur games around the country and while Jomo Sono has proved himself as a talent scout par excellence, Chabeli's reputation as a hawk-eyed talent spotter is also legendary. "Ace" Mnini, Alfred Malebane, Aubrey Makgopela, Fetsi "Chippa" Molatedi and Tornado Ntsibande were all spotted in the dusty streets of Soweto by Chabeli who recruited them for his beloved Swallows.

"Although Bock is currently in Germany," said Bernstein, "obviously our immediate aim is to qualify for the Top Eight. I think during the Telkom challenge we showed we have the potential to compete this year."

Swallows did well to eliminate Ria Stars in a penalty shootout in the semifinals of the Telkom Charity Cup only to lose 1-0 to Pirates in the final.

"Another important issue we intend tackling without delay is a structured youth development programme which has been sadly lacking at Swallows over the last few years.

"We have roped in former players to help with the programme, and are about to join hands with a huge amateur club boasting an excellent youth programme."

After signing Peter Petersen from Hellenic and Naughty Mokoena from African Wanderers, Swallows are negotiating with Sundowns for strikers Marc Batchelor and Kenny Niemach.