Mpumalanga’s pride and joy: Interesting facts on Mpumalanga Black Aces

Mpumalanga Black Aces are the official team of the province’s capital and the only one from Mpumalanga to play in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

They are also known as Amazoyoni to their fans. This name relates back to the club’s early heritage and translates as “The Zionists.”

They have performed remarkably well this season and are currently on a six-game winning streak in the league, currently in fifth position with 15 points

The club was founded in 1937 by Dairy Farmers and made a name for itself in the ’60s and ’70s with impressive displays against Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. The club had also formerly been known as Ukhumba Black Aces and Witbank Black Aces.

Their current coach, Clive Barker, is one of the most respected football coaches in the business and was the man who steered Bafana Bafana to 1996 African Nations Cup glory.

The club’s home stadium is Mbombela after they officially moved for the new season, from the Kees Taljaard Stadium in Middelburg.

Aces returned to the PSL in 2013 after facing the opposite side of the spectrum in 1997 and 2011 when they were relegated from South Africa’s finest football league.

Club records

• Most starts: Percy Nxumalo, 286

• Most goals: Percy Nxumalo, 64

• Most starts in a season: Joseph Sibiya, 41 (1992)

• Most goals in a season: Johannes Shili, 19 (1992)

• Record victory: 6-0 vs Royal Tigers (20/9/94, League)

• Record Defeat: 1-7 vs Hellenic (28/5/97, League).

Club honours

1980: BP Top 8 Champions

1983: Mainstay Cup finalists

1993: BP top 8 finalists

1993: Bobsave Super Bowl Champions

2008: Nedbank Cup finalists

2009: National 1st Division Runners-up

2013: Promotion Playoff Winners – Promoted to PSL.