“I will go to the next level of my career,” Mathebula  said.

Igesund’s appointment as Bafana Bafana coach  has created the opinion that it will be hard players like  Mathebula, Lerato Chabangu and Luvhengo Mungomeni  to crack it at Swallows this season.

 This is because the trio  are some of the players who had a good season under Igesund  –  now Bafana Bafana head coach – after being written off prior to their arrival at Swallows.

Mathebula  described his last season as the best of his career, having had unsuccessful stints with Kaizer Chiefs and Mpumalanga Black Aces.

The 29-year-old Mathebula became a focal point  after the impressive run in the PSL which saw Swallows finish as runners-up to champions Orlando Pirates.

Direct play and long range shots were Mathebula’s strong points last season and his knack of shooting from distance saw him net 10 goals from midfield for the Dube Birds.

On Igesund’s departure from the team, Mathebula said he was not concerned.

“I am really not worried. I was disappointed at first, but I am now happy because Zeca Marques will take over,” he said.

Marques was announced as Igesund’s successor this week, having served as his assistant last season.

“Continuity is good and for me,” Mathebula  said. “It was not only Gordon who helped my game, but  Zeca also did a lot behind the scenes.

“I think it will be continuity from last season for the team.”

As they finished in  second spot, the only expectation from such a team is to see them  become champions, especially since Swallows last won a league trophy in 1965.

“As a team we have pledged to make sure we get more points than we did last season and if that will make us champions, it will be a step in the right direction,” he added.