Black Aces secure valuable point in humid conditions
There is still a lingering feeling that the best is yet to come from this team packed with star players.
Mpumalanga Black Aces secured a valuable away-point against a spirited Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala
Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday.
What made it even more rewarding was that Aces had to play the majority of the second half with 10 men after Lehlohonolo Nonyane was sent off after a second yellow card.
Both teams came into this match on the back of draws, with United playing to a 1-1 draw with Free State Stars and Black Aces settling for a stalemate against Tuks.
This match was a clash of the two most experienced and versatile coaches in the PSL, with each having a point to prove. Aces’ Clive Barker and his counterpart Steve Komphela both used different strategies to gain the upper hand.
Aces’ striker Tendai Ndoro had numerous chances in the first half, but failed to find the net. This was one of the recurring themes in this half with Aces failing to take their opportunities. It can also be said that Maritzburg United’s keeper, Virgil Vries, was at the top of his game.
Black Aces’ international stars, Collins Mbesuma and Energy Murambandoro came to the party after consistent performances throughout the season.
There is still a lingering feeling that the best is yet to come from this team packed with star players.
Maritzburg United’s Mondli Cele was also a menace in the midfield with Barker’s boys needing to keep an eye out for his trickery.
The hot and humid conditions also made it difficult for both teams to gain any impetus and spark in the latter stages of the second half, as the players had given their all.
One player that Aces missed in this clash was Aubrey Ngoma, due to a recurrent niggle. He had been one of the attacking pillars in Aces’ midfield and a constant threat to opposition defences and could have been the spark they needed on a sweltering day.
Mbesuma hit the crossbar later on with a thunderous strike, but to no avail, as both teams settled for a point a piece.
Aces’ next match is against Ajax Cape Town at Mbombela Stadium on September 27.
