Mpumalanga Black Aces look to fix their scoring problems when they visit in-form Platinum Stars on Sunday.
The home team will make the long trip to the city of platinum, Rustenburg, after a poor performance last Saturday in Mbombela – where they were held to a one- all draw against struggling University of Pretoria.
The team spokesperson, Gordon Masondo stressed the importance of collecting maximum points if they are to fulfil their dream of participating in the CAF competitions against some of the continent’s best teams.
Currently, Aces are in position five with 37 points, just two points behind struggling Kaizer Chiefs with 39 points.
The home team is also three points behind Platinum Stars, in third position with 40 points. A win against Stars will take the home team straight to position three.
“We still stand a better chance of finishing the season within the top-three bracket and book ourselves a space to participate in Africa.
“There are about eight games left which means there about 24 points to play for. If we collect all these points we will end the season with
61 points and surely we may end somewhere close to position two or three. But we have to start winning now and we have to start with Platinum Stars,” said Masondo.
Masondo knows though that things will not be easy, especially with teams like Orlando Pirates hot on their heels. The Buccaneers are currently on top of their game and are seated in position six on the log with 32 points.
They have also made their intentions known that they too aim to finish within the top three.
“It’s going to be tough but we have to keep on trying, we have to keep on fighting,” stressed Masondo.
Aces coach, Muhsin Ertugral has made his intention clear that they want to participate in CAF competitions at all cost.
“I hear that there are teams who don’t want to go to Africa. Aces want to go and participate in Africa and play against some of the continent’s greats. But for us to go there, we need to win games,” said Ertugral, who was furious at his team’s poor performance on Saturday.
