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How Muhsin got Aces to sparkle

For the first time Mpumalanga Black Aces players have full time jobs.

If they are not at training (which they do twice a day), then the players are doing video analysis, computer sessions or extra fitness work with trainer Elsa Storm.

Coach Muhsin Ertugral takes the players on a regular basis in their different departments for lunch to talk about organisation and different patterns in defence, midfield and up front.

It's no wonder Aces have started the season so well. They're currently in second place on the Absa Premiership, level on points (14) with leaders Platinum Stars after six matches.

"We are going towards a more professional set up," Ertugral said.

"We are analysing matches, we get psychologists coming in as well. Management has allowed me to build a high standard professional environment.

"I have lunch with the players, strikers, midfielders and defenders because you can not have everyone at once. You need to engage with them and it takes about two hours analysing, looking at organisation and different patterns. Straight from there we come to training so that they understand what exactly we want from them."

He went on: "Our training sessions are very organised and there is also a fun part to it. The boys say they can't wait to come for training the next day. I am enjoying it and they are sucking it all in. We've targeted 40 points this season."

Ertugral trimmed down the squad when he got to the club and believes he can give every a player a chance to prove themselves because he is working with a small group.

"When I took over, we had 27 players. That's a disaster. We have 23 now and we have youngsters coming from the youth side. We have three under-18s training with us and they are the future. I want to have a small squad so that everybody can get a chance to play."

According to Storm, all the players have different training programmes and diets because "their bodies are different.

"Every player has a special programme. Everybody is different and I need to look at their backgrounds and adjust my programme according to them.

"It has to bring the best out of every player."

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