TAZAMA PICHA JINSI SWANSEA WALIVYOPOKELEWA KWA SHANGWE BAADA YA KUNYAKUA UBINGWA WA CAPITAL ONE.

Thousands of Swansea fans turned out to give their Capital One Cup heroes a rousing homecoming as Michael Laudrup and his team embarked on their victory parade.
The south Wales outfit have seen days like this before, notably following their promotion to the Premier League in May 2011, but the added edge of securing a first piece of major silverware in the club's centenary season ensured a massive presence along the 1.2-mile route.

Even the cold and overcast weather conditions could not put a dampener on the occasion as fans crammed along the city's streets to acclaim the players, management and staff.

Heroes welcome: Swansea's Capital One Cup winning team attracted a big turn out for their victory parade

WAYNE ROUTLEDGE ON TWITTER

'Extremely humbled! Thanks those who could make it out, get home safe!'

The open-top bus carrying the players set off from the Dragon Hotel before making its way down the city's Kingsway and heading down to St Helen's Road to the Guildhall for a civic reception.

It seemed apt that part of the route took the current squad within sight of where the Swans' former Vetch Field home once stood, for it was almost 10 years ago at that very venue that this fairytale story began.

Overwhelmed? Defender Chico Flores, goalkeeper Michel Vorm and midfielder Nathan Dyer appear unprepared for the occasion

Or hogging the limelight? Chico Flores and Michel Vorm soon settled, while Ashley Williams was also pictured enjoying the celebrations

CHICO FLORES ON TWITTER

'Today celebration on the bus all over the city, squares and City Hall.'

A 4-2 victory over Hull, courtesy of a hat-trick from striker James Thomas, now an ambulance driver, ensured Swansea retained their Football League status.

Current squad member Leon Britton was the sole survivor from the side who beat the drop to feature at Wembley.

Crowded: Swansea have made considerable progress in securing European football so soon after almost going out of The Football League

GERHARD TREMMEL ON TWITTER

'Back in Swansea. Looking forward to the parade.'

'Next stop Guild Hall.'

Club captain Garry Monk, who stood at the front of the bus holding aloft the trophy with vice captain Ashley Williams, is another who can recall the club's days in the fourth tier.

Back then, manager Brian Flynn would hold training at any available space: a local astroturf, a free playing field, or even on the beach.

All smiles: But despite their success, Swansea's squad must concentrate on a strong end to the season

Adoring public: Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has done a far finer job in succeeding Brendan Rodgers than most had predicted

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There are question marks over how long the likes of Laudrup and inspirational top scorer Michu may remain with Swansea, but there were few among the cheering throngs who were too concerned by such thoughts.

Instead they will dream of forays into Europe as part of the Europa League spot secured by Wembley glory, and wonder what will happen in the next chapter of this most remarkable of sporting stories.