Aces ready to fight for glory

Mpumalanga Black Aces will play their first weekend game at the Mbombela Stadium next Saturday, August 30, against the stubborn Pretoria-based side, Tuks FC. The two will meet in the Absa Premiership battle to bag three points.

Having already lost a game at home, the home team, Aces are already feeling the heat and are aware they need to pull up their socks and start collecting maximum points whenever they play at home.

“It’s true, we need to develop that winning mentality whenever we have home advantage and at least fight for a draw when playing away. “And we need to do this now, at the early stages of the season when most teams are still trying to find their footing.

“The coach has spoken to the players and they know they need to deliver,” said Aces PRO, Gordon Masondo. He added though they were disappointed by the lack of support from local soccer supporters whenever they play at home.

“It’s saddening to see our people supporting teams outside of the province when we are here. We are not saying people should leave their favorite teams for us, but simply that they must come and support us whenever we play against other teams.

Just look at how soccer supporters from Bloemfontein support Celtics whenever the team is playing against other teams from there. “I wish our people will take charge of the team and own it,” Masondo added.

Aces’ coach, Clive Barker has made his intentions clear for this season. “We want to finish the season within the top four spots in the PSL and do well in cup games.

“I am confident that we have what it takes to challenge for top honors and turn this team into a powerhouse that will be loved by all the people of the province,” said Barker, who added he wasn’t worried about their recent defeat against Chiefs.

“That was a test and I think we aced it, we showed Chiefs what we are made of,” he added. Aces’ next home game is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17 against Ajax Cape Town.