Volkswagen South Africa has congratulated Moroka Swallows on its sterling and consistent performance during the 2011/2012 season Absa Premiership League. The ‘Dube Birds’ finished in the second position behind the champions, Orlando Pirates.
“Volkswagen South Africa is very proud of the Dube Birds’ performance this season. After battling relegation last season, the team turned things around in the 2011/2012 season to become one of the title contenders up to the last game. In the end, it was very close and yet so far for the boys,” said Mike Glendinning, Director: Sales & Marketing, Volkswagen Group South Africa.
Volkswagen has been associated with Moroka Swallows for the past seven seasons. The partnership was extended for a further two years at the start of the 2011/2012 season. At the same time, Volkswagen acquired the naming rights of the Dobsonville Stadium, which is the team’s home stadium.
“The decision to move the team back to Dobsonville contributed immensely to the performance this season. Volkswagen Dobsonville stadium was the team’s fortress and its location made it easily accessible to supporters who have enjoyed the team’s resurgence. Volkswagen was excited to acquire the naming rights to the stadium, which have given us the opportunity to leverage our sponsorship,” added Glendinning.
The move back to Dobsonville Stadium was part the club’s long term strategy to get closer to its Soweto roots and focus on the development of young talented players. The aim was to re-establish Moroka Swallows as a powerhouse of Soweto football as well as to open an academy in the township that will develop the best South African youth football talent.
Moroka Swallows’ junior team will represent South Africa at the 2012 Volkswagen Junior World Masters in Poland next month. The team won the 2012 South African Junior Masters tournament at the beginning of 2012.