Felix Obada © Backpagepix

Moroka Swallows winger Felix Obada says the Birds are as ready as they can be for their MTN8 semi-final first leg clash with Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday night at the Lucas Moripe Stadium (20H15 kick off)

The second leg takes place the following Sunday (26 August, 15H00) at the Volkswagen Dobsonville Stadium

Swallows booked their place in the last four by beating AmaZulu 2-0 two weekends back, while the Brazilians brushed aside Kaizer Chiefs with an emphatic display.

Sundowns went on to beat Chippa United in their opening Absa Premiership match, while Swallows lost 3-2 to Platinum Stars.

Obada however says that is in a positive frame of mind that the Birds prepare to stake their claim for a place in the final.

“Of course Sundowns are a very good side, but we believe in ourselves. We are well prepared – we have done our homework and we are ready mentally, we are ready physically.

“The club has retained the same group of players that did duty last season, so everyone knows each other and that’s to our advantage,” he told PSL.co.za.

The Warri (Nigeria)-born speedster is a threat out wide to any defence with his direct approach to goal. In full flight he appears to eat up the ground in front of him and can be a defender’s worst nightmare.

Having made his name at Thanda Royal Zulu before further establishing himself at Maritzburg United, the 22-year-old is now hoping to take his career to another level in the glare of the Gauteng spotlight.

“So far so good for me since moving to Swallows. I’m enjoying it here, playing with some very experienced and top players.

“I’m happy to be in Johannesburg, I’m just getting used to the weather because it’s a lot colder here than in KZN. My new team-mates have made me feel welcome and Greg Etafia, my countryman, has helped to show me around.

“I’m confident I made the right decision in coming to South Africa. The standard of the Premier League, the facilities, the lifestyle, compares well to any of the big leagues in Europe.”