Aces looking to finish on a high

Despite their certain drop to the first division, Mpumalanga Black Aces are hoping to finish the season by winning the Nedbank Cup trophy.

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Despite their certain drop to the first division, Mpumalanga Black Aces are putting in every effort to finish the season on a high.

After their league loss to Kaizer Chiefs last weekend, which was followed by the death of club president Laki Marfou, Aces aim to change their fortunes in their last few weeks in top flight football.

Their bid to save face, however, will start with their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash against AmaZulu at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi on Sunday.

The incentive now for Aces is to ensure that they leave an impression, which means reaching the final or even lifting the R6 million trophy, according to defender Warren Bishop.

“As players we know that we stand a good chance to earn something if we reach the final or even win this Cup, so we have put everything that's happened behind us now,” said Bishop.

“Unfortunately what's done is done, and that is football.

“On Thursday we were also at the funeral of the club president.

“Right now, we have to go out there to showcase ourselves and our talent because we have played well despite the results not going our way.”

For Bishop, a former AmaZulu player, this has been a fruitful competition.

He was captain of first division side University of Pretoria when they finished runners-up in 2009 despite missing the final against Moroka Swallows because of suspension.

Bishop again reached the final last season with AmaZulu in the first match at the revamped FNB Stadium, where they lost 3-0 to Bidvest Wits.

“I have collected two silver medals in this competition, and obviously I'm hoping that I can get gold this time around,” Bishop said.

“I believe we can achieve that with this team. I'm hopeful because we have done well against AmaZulu and beat them 1-0 recently in the league.”

Elsewhere on Sunday, a 'David and Goliath' battle is on the cards with this year's surprise package, second division outfit Baroka FC, tackling Kaizer Chiefs at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Chiefs will enter the fixture wary of the hard-running Limpopo youngsters who performed a herculean effort when they eliminated Premiership side Moroka Swallows in the last 16 stage.

“They are a confident team after beating Swallows in the last round,” said Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.

“They probably know more about us than we know about them.

“It is not going to be an easy affair but that is what knockout competitions are about.”

On Saturday afternoon, first division team Black Leopards host Vasco da Gama in Polokwane.

On Monday, Premiership log leaders Orlando Pirates take on Free State Stars at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. – Sapa

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/aces-looking-to-finish-on-a-high-1.1060563

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