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Aces heading for history
05/05/2008 14:08 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Mpumalanga Black Aces could make more history if they cause another upset and beat favourites Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup final on May 24.
Victory in the South African soccer showpiece would give the Witbank based First Division club entry into the African Confederation Cup next year.
That would be the first time a club from the lower division of the Premier Soccer League would play in a major continental club competition.
Already Aces have secured a place in local history by becoming the second team from a lower league to feature in the final of the biggest knockout competition on the SA soccer calendar after beating PSL side Free State Stars 1-0 in the semi-finals at the Super Stadium at the weekend.
Aces coach Kenny Ndlazi believes Downs have more to be scared of than have his players when they clash.
Said Ndlazi who has done a superb job in getting Aces back on track since he took charge earlier this year: "I know all about Sundowns and their star players. And so I have a good idea of what to expect. Downs know little or nothing about Aces and that could be a key. Who knows, maybe Aces will get to play in the Confederations Cup. That would be tremendous for a club such as ours."
Experienced players
Ndlazi's cup run is remarkable. Aces have not conceded a goal in their five matches played. They beat Ga-Rankuwa United, Thanda Royal Zulu, AK FC, Nathi Lions and FS Stars on their path to the final scoring eight goals.
Said Ndlazi: That defensive record is down to our tactical discipline and the experienced players we have in defence. I am hoping to stretch that record in the final. We will make it really tough for Sundowns to spoil our perfect defensive record in the cup."
Ndlazi has Michel Babale in goal, the well travelled DR Congo keeper has played for a number of top PSL clubs, while captain Felix Musasa, Lucas Tlhomeleng and midfield anchor Edelbert Dinha, all played for Orlando Pirates and have bags of big game experience.
Said Ndlazi: "Mixing and matching youth and older wiser heads has been our key to success and this will see us through during the final."
But a worrying factor is Aces will not have a competitive match until they face Downs. The First Division ended at the end of April but the former SA under-23 coach said he was not worried as he will arrange friendly training games against PSL clubs during the next two weeks.
Said Ndlazi: "The fact we are not involved in league matches is not going to worry me or the players. I have worked out a training programme to ensure the players maintain their fitness and have already lined up top class friendly games against PSL sides to keep us sharp."
Aces will use top PSL clubs Platinum Stars, Moroka Swallows, BidVest Wits and SuperSport United to keep match fit.
Ndlazi did his homework on FS Stars and got it right. He said: "The plan was to contain Stars in the first half and then hit them after the break."
On Downs he said: "We are all looking forward to the cup final. We are totally relaxed. "
Ndlazi will have an easier build up to the final. Downs coach Trott Moloto admitted he was worried about the Aces springing a surprise or two.
But Downs have three Absa Premiership matches to complete - they face relegation haunted Jomo Cosmos in Orkney on Wednesday - and on Saturday host Sudanese champions Al Hilal in their African Champions League third round, second leg clash on Sunday at the Super Stadium (3pm) to keep his players mentally and physically tuned ahead of May 24.
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Rugby
