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Loan stars giving Aces winning hand

HUGE HIT: Mpumalanga Black Aces midfielder Themba Zwane, right, is likely to return to SundownsPhoto: Petri Oeschger/Gallo Images
HUGE HIT: Mpumalanga Black Aces midfielder Themba Zwane, right, is likely to return to SundownsPhoto: Petri Oeschger/Gallo Images

SOME of the key performers in this excellent season for Mpumalanga Black Aces that sees them just a point off fourth place in the closing stages have been players that are only on loan at the club.

Six of the squad for the 2013-14 season are at the club for just one campaign and many have played a leading role in getting the side into the top half of the table.

Midfielder Themba Zwane, at the club from Mamelodi Sundowns, has been one such star and has been included in Bafana Bafana's squad for the tour of Australasia next month.

But others such as Abel Mabaso, who is also on loan from Sundowns, and Ofentse Nato and Miguel Timm both from Bidvest Wits , have been an influential part of the first team this season.

Aces co-owner Mario Morfou told Sowetan yesterday that they have acknowledged that they were likely to return to their respective clubs for next season with reputations enhanced, but he remains hopeful of striking a few deals.

"We will see what we can do, but it seems likely most, or all, will go back to their clubs," he said. "But we have planned for that, we have identified players that we believe can replace them and that we hope to sign when the transfer window re-opens.

"There obviously will be some change to our squad for next season, but I expect around 70% of the core of the current group of players to remain and that gives us a lot to build on."

The only loan player who has not featured much this season is goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane.

AmaZayoni are under the guidance of Clive "The Dog" Barker.

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