Swallows coach Ernst Middendorp has taken his calculator out, saying he is not in “dreamland” to think that 30 points will be enough to avoid relegation.
The Soweto giants finally won away from home for the first time this season, beating Chippa United 2-1 over the weekend to remain 14th on the DStv Premiership table with 24 points after 21 matches.
That win spelt the end of the stay for Morgan Mammila, who was replaced by Kurt Lentjies on Monday.
Normally, as history tells us, 30 points are enough for any team to survive the relegation fight, just like TS Galaxy did last term to finish in 13th place on the standings.
But, with Swallows now just six points away from the 30-point mark, Middendorp doesn’t believe 30 points will be enough this season.
“I said some weeks ago, I think it was at the beginning of the year, I said Mamelodi Sundowns will be in front of each and everybody at least 20 points,” the German tactician said.
“The second opinion and also three weeks ago, I don’t think 30 points will be enough. Maritzburg will make one win, don’t forget about Marumo Gallants, only three points [behind Maritzburg] and it is not the end of the world, six points away from us and they can make two wins.
“We are looking comfortable, but who thinks it is comfortable? Who thinks position eight or nine but has four, five points more than position 15 is also comfortable? If you think [that] you are in the dreamland, continue dreaming.
“I don’t dream, I know it was a step up, but it was definitely only a small step and not a huge one. Goal difference is important for me and the points picking like this against Chippa makes it a really powerful result.”
Swallows now turn their focus to Orlando Pirates who they will face at Orlando Stadium on Friday (19:30), with the Soweto giants coming to this game hurting after losing to Middendorp’s former club Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby last weekend.
Pirates have lost only two matches at Orlando Stadium this campaign – against Chippa and Sundowns and Middendorp insists getting something against the Buccaneers would be a huge result in his side’s survival quest.
“It is a game where you must be realistic that if you get something out of it, you would have achieved something,” he added.
