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Johannesburg - Moroka Swallows caretaker coach Fani Madida says his side "derailed" Premiership log leaders Kaizer Chiefs after playing to a 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.
Chiefs dropped points for the first time this season after winning all their previous eight Premier League matches to open up a runaway lead at the top of the log. Described by their fans as "the Gautrain -- because no one can derail them", they had also taken the honours in cup matches this season.
"Well I think we can put that description to rest after we matched them all the way, and we actually held the lead for a substantial portion of the game," Madiba said.
Previously assistant coach at Swallows, Madida, a celebrated goal-scoring icon at Chiefs during his playing career, was elevated to the role of acting coach earlier in the week following the resignation of Zeca Marques.
"We had lost four Premier League games in a row and something radical appeared necessary to get The Birds back on course," Madida said.
"That is why I took a good look at our playing squad and decided to make seven changes in the line-up."
What might have been construed as a gamble worked well against the previously invincible team and Madida hoped to continue the rejuvenation of Swallows.
"It was certainly a highly emotional and challenging occasion for me, particularly because of my close connections with Chiefs in the past butt it all went well."
Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter said Amakhosi had started the game too cautiously, perhaps being wary of how a wounded team like Swallows, with a new coach at the helm, would react.
"We certainly improved in the second period and controlled the match," he said.
"Taking everything into account, I don't think we can grumble about our 100 percent record coming to an end. Having said that I'm never happy when we don't win a game."
Swallows took the lead in the 28th minute through Lucky Baloyi's inspired, half-volley into the roof of the net from outside the penalty area.
Reneilwe Letsholonyane produced an equaliser midway through the second half with a close-range volley which matched Baloyi's effort for sheer class.
