BARKER SAYS ACES NOT YET FULL DECK
Spending spree not done
AMBITIOUS Mpumalanga Black Aces are on a buying spree and although they are signing quality players, coach Clive Barker is still modest about their chances of challenging for silverware next season.
AmaZayoni are back in the top flight after spending just two seasons in the National First Division.
They negotiated their way to the Absa Premiership through the NFD relegation/promotion play-offs.
Yesterday, Aces confirmed the capture of six new recruits but Barker still needs more.
The new players that were confirmed yesterday include rock-solid defender Vincent Kobola and midfielders Stanley Kgatla and Ofentse Nato, a Botswana international.
This follows the arrival last week of Onyekachi Okonkwo from Orlando Pirates.
“I’m happy with the new players in the team but I can’t start talking about winning trophies or the league title next season,” said Barker yesterday.
“Our aim is to survive relegation next season and we can start talking about win- ning something after next season.”
The former Bafana Bafana coach added that he wanted to sign a back-up goalkeeper to Bafana Nhlapo and fortify their rearguard and attack.
“I want another goalkeeper, a central defender and a striker, otherwise I’m happy with the midfield.”
Zimbabwean shot-stopper Energy Murambadoro has arrived at Aces to try his luck.
Kobola joined the Premiership returnees on a two-season contract.
“I’m so happy to have joined Black Aces where I will get a chance to play on a regular basis. Clive Barker is a great coach, a big motivator. I’m looking forward to working with him,” said the former University of Pretoria man.
Kobola ’ s business manager Jazzman Mahlakgane said he was happy the Seshego-born defender had secured a new home.
“There were some politics at the University of Pretoria, it’s something that made it difficult for Kobola to play regularly,” explained Mahlakgane yesterday.
Nato, a 23-year-old defensive midfielder who has 21 caps with the Botswana national team, has joined on a season’s loan from Bid- Vest Wits.
Kgatla is a seasoned midfielder who was snatched from AmaZulu.
Other new signings who were confirmed by the club yesterday are forwards Aleni Lebyane and Eugene Mncube, and left-back Paulo Angelo Loureiro.
Lebyane, who also played for Free State Stars, has been recruited from Jomo Cosmos on a season-long loan deal.
Mncube has penned a three-year contract from Blackburn Rovers.
The 23-year-old cut his teeth in the professional ranks at Lamontville Golden Arrows before moving to Rovers in Eastern Cape.
Loureiro, who played for Portuguese club FC Pacos de Ferreira last season, has inked a two-year deal.
The 21-year-old, who was born in Johannesburg, played a pivotal role in helping the Portuguese club finish third on the log and qualify for the Uefa Champions League playoffs for the first time.