Aces determined to turn the corner with 15 new signings.

Category: Sport

Date Added: 29 July 2010

BILLY COOPER

Johannesburg

MPUMALANGA Black Aces have made a staggering 15 new signings and have cleared out a similar number of players as the club is determined to turn the corner and become a force in South African soccer in the future.

The 15 new players were paraded for the media in Johannesburg yesterday, when Aces CEO Marc Grune outlined his club’s ambitious new plans for the coming season.

Aces are putting a tough 2009-10 season behind them, when they fought tooth and nail to avoid being relegated.

“We learnt tough lessons from last season and are determined not to repeat them,” Grune said.

Included in the new line-up are former Orlando Pirates captain Lehlohonolo Seema, BidVest Wits midfielder Marawaan Bantam, who played a major role in helping the students win the Nedbank Cup last season, striker Brice Aka from Martizburg United, two experienced international goalkeepers, Denis Onyango from PSL champions SuperSport United and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Francis Chansa from Wits.

Also on board is a seasoned, German-born central defender, Marc Eberle, who, apart from playing in Germany, Belgium and Holland also played under Aces coach Aki Ayiomamidis in the Cyprus first division team Aris FC.

“I made up my mind to join Aces after having played under the coach (Ayiomamidis) in Cyprus,” said the 30-year-old defender. “Apart from watching a brilliant 2010 World Cup in SA, I know nothing about what to expect in the PSL but I have plenty of experience in Europe to bring to my new team.

“The coach explained his plans for the future and I decided I wanted to be part of this new-look Aces. I am looking forward to a tremendous challenge.”

Grune said while he and his board of directors were not expecting overnight success, he hoped Aces would finish in a realistic middle-of-the table position next year.

Aces found life tough and fought hard to retain their Premier Soccer League status last season after they were promoted last year.

“The long-term goal is to grow Aces into a top-five club in this country. We have the ability and the driving ambition. We are still looking to secure a sponsor,” Grune said.

“What we have done with these new signings is to show prospective sponsors and our fans that we are serious about taking the club to new, higher levels in the future.”

Grune said while Aces struggled to stay in the PSL last season, they were the third-best-supported team at home in the PSL.

“Statistics show we had the third best attendance figures for home matches. That was encouraging and we are determined to make Aces grow into the best-supported club in the country. But that and making Aces into a top side in the PSL will take time.

“However, we have shown we have a fantastic fan base, which we aim to grow countrywide.”

Grune said the first priority for Aces was to win enough telephone votes for them to compete in the annual PSL season pipe-opener, the Telkom Charity Cup at Soccer City on August 7. The four PSL sides who get the most votes qualify.

“At present we are fourth behind Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns.

“It would be brilliant for the new look Aces to test themselves against the top clubs in the country and use the Charity Cup as part of our preparation for the new season.” Sapa

We have a fantastic fan base, which we aim to grow countrywide

Source: Business Day