Moroka Swallows F.C.

Moroka Swallows are a South African soccer club based in Johannesburg. Until relegation in the 2014–15 season, the club played in the Premier Soccer League.PSL Club Info
Founded in 1947, Swallows are considered as one of the original two Soweto clubs, together with Orlando Pirates. The team currently plays in the SAB league after a stream of relegation from 3 soccer division.
==History==
The club was founded in the 1940s by a trio of soccer lovers, Ishmael Lesolang, Strike Makgatha and Johnny Kubheka.Moroka Swallows Football Club – Succession
They originally named the side Congregated Rovers after the firm in which most of the players and officials worked, later changing it to Moroka Rovers.The history of Moroka Swallows Football Club: Don’t follow me, follow the Birds!
But then, on 10 October 1947, the trio decided to change the name again to Moroka Swallows, basing themselves in the township formally known as Masakeng.The history of Moroka Swallows Football Club
The name has lasted for the best part of 55 years, a period which has seen consistent success both on the field and off it.The Second Decade (1957–1967)
The name 'moroka' means 'rain maker' in Setswana and the township was probably named after Chief Moroka of Barolong boo-Seleka who became the president of the ANC in 1940s. It is hardly surprising therefore that the club was renamed the 'rain bird'.
The 1950s and 1960s were a successful time for the club, culminating in their greatest ever achievement, winning the South African League title in 1965.Moroka Swallows Big XV 1968–1978
Off the field, the club was becoming a business and in 1971 they became the first ever football team to register as a public company.
That same year they were also the first to receive an official sponsorship when Teljoy began their association with the club.
PART 5: THE FOURTH DECADE (1979–1988)
The decade between 1982 and 1992 was a successful one for the team, culminating in four pieces of silverware.PART 6: THE FIFTH DECADE (1989–1998)
In 2007 the club celebrated its 60th anniversary. Two years later Swallows won the Nedbank Cup, the club's first piece of silverware for five years.PART 7: THE SIXTH DECADE (1999–2008)
The club narrowly avoided relegation in the 2013–14 season, finishing thirteenth. The 2014–15 season saw them relegated for the first time in their history, finishing 15th, and failing to retain their position after being defeated in the promotion-relegation playoffs.
Following their first relegation from the top level, the club finished bottom of the log in the National First Division, and were relegated again to the SAFA Second Division.
==Honours==
*South African Soccer League
**Winners: 1965
*Mainstay Cup
**Winners: 1983
*Bob Save Super Bowl
**Winners: 1989, 1991
*BP Top Eight Cup
**Winners: 1975, 1979
*Sales House Cup
**Winners: 1978
*ABSA Cup
**Winners: 2004
*Nedbank Cup
**Winners: 2009
*MTN 8
**Winners: 2012
==Club records==
*Most starts: Andries Mpondo 395
*Most goals: Thomas Hlongwane 73
*Most capped player: Lerato Chabangu 13
*Most starts in a season: Andries Mpondo 49 (1986)
*Most goals in a season: Thomas Hlongwane 27 (1985)
*Record Victory: 8–0 vs African Wanderers (29/9/91, NSL)
*Record Defeat: 2–6 vs Hellenic (7/3/85, Sales House Cup); Rangers (3/7/87, NSL)
Source:
===Premier Soccer League record===
*2014/2015 – 15th
*2013/2014 – 13th
*2012/2013 – 9th
*2011/2012 – 2nd
*2010/2011 – 13th
*2009/2010 – 8th
*2008/2009 – 11th
*2007/2008 – 7th
*2006/2007 – 3rd
*2005/2006 – 4th
*2004/2005 – 5th
*2003/2004 – 7th
*2002/2003 – 4th
*2001/2002 – 6th
*2000/2001 – 15th
*1999/2000 – 12th
*1998/1999 – 15th
*1997/1998 – 11th
*1996/1997 – 11th
==Club officials/Technical team==
*MD & CEO: Leon Prins
*General manager: Sipho Xulu
*Team manager: Bennet Mtshali
*Coach: * Craig Rosslee
*Assistant coach: Fani Madida
*Goalkeeper coach: Edgard da Silva
Source:Kickoff PSL Yearbook 2013/2014, p. 32.
==First team squad==
As of 12 March, 2015.
===Foreigners===
In the South African PSL, only five non-South African nationals can be registered. Foreign players who have acquired permanent residency can be registered as locals.
* Boris Savić
* Felix Obada
* Obren Cucković
* Vladimir Mandic
-------------------------------------------------
* Greg Etafia (permanent residency)
==Notable former coaches==
* Walter Rautmann
* Eddie Lewis (1989–91)
* Sandile Bali (1991–92)
* Milo Bjelica (1992)
* Mich d'Avray (1992–93)
* Walter da Silva (1999)
* Viktor Bondarenko (2000–02)
* Gavin Hunt (July 1, 2002 – June 30, 2007)
* Ian Gorowa (July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008)
* Júlio César Leal (July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009)
* Rainer Zobel (July 17, 2009 – Nov 28, 2010)
* Gordon Igesund (Nov 29, 2010 – June 30, 2012)
* Zeca Marques (July 1, 2012–2014)
* Craig Rosslee (March 2015–)http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/categories/thursday-content/moroka-swallows-have-appointed-craig-rosslee-as-head-coach/205071?page=4
==References==
==External links==
* 
*Premier Soccer League
*PSL Club Info
*South African Football Association
*Confederation of African Football
Category:Moroka Swallows F.C.
Category:Association football clubs established in 1947
Category:Soccer clubs in South Africa
Category:Soweto
Category:Premier Soccer League clubs
Category:Soccer clubs in Johannesburg
Category:1947 establishments in South Africa