Daniel Akpeyi speaks on Moroka Swallows’ relegation battle

The Dube Birds, whose troubles this season are well documented, are third from bottom of the table above Cape Town Spurs and Richards Bay and do have a slight cushion being seven points ahead of their nearest rivals.

Akpeyi says the focus is to put behind them the coaching and playing personnel changes that have disrupted their campaign up to now.

READ: Give coach Pablo Martin time, pleads defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele

"Well, for now, I think we are trying to bring ourselves together to make sure we look into that because the fact that we have two other teams below us, it's just a matter of points. Yes, we've had our challenges, we've had our turbulences," Akpeyi said.

At least 10 new faces arrived at Swallows during the January transfer window following a major shake-up that included the exit of coach Steve Komphela and Musa Nyatama taking over the reins.

Akpeyi says the synergy is going to need time, although there’s not a lot of it left.

"We are looking forward to the next game because every game counts. It's quite unfortunate that now we have to take every game like a cup final but I have so much belief though the squad is young. We have younger players who have just come into the PSL, who haven't even played in the NFD before, this makes it more challenging," Akpeyi added.

Swallows travel to Spurs next Sunday in a direct confrontation with a side also fighting for their lives.

Akpeyi believes the newly assembled squad will step up.

"But then they've shown character, they've shown resilience and they've shown that they're ready to actually break through and make their name in the PSL. So, we're looking forward to taking every game as it comes."

For the veteran goalkeeper, the remaining matches are a must-win.