Richard Nkosi

Richard Nkosi

Dumisa Ngobe, Mpumalanga Black Aces' assistant coach, is singing the praises of his team after they defeated Premiership side Jomo Cosmos 4-2 in a practice match held at Atlantic Stadium on Saturday.

"The boys performed well. They play according to our instructions," he said.

The game was the first for coach Aki Ayiyomanthis since he signed with Amazayoni, as Aces are affectionately known, last month.

Aces' goals were scored by Mongezi Bhobe (2) and an unidentified Nigerian who is on trial with the team also scored a brace.

Cosmos' goals came through Dennis Mwape and Dikgang Mabalane.

The game was the first for Aces in Mpumalanga since they relocated from Limpopo.

"Looking at the players' approach to the game, you can see that they are hungry for competitive football. We hope that they will translate their practice form into the league games," said Ngobe.

He also commended the supporters who came in large numbers.

Aces will be using Atlantic as their home ground for league games and alternating between Embalenhle Stadium in Secunda and KaNyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit.

Meanwhile, the team announced that Bhobe is recovering at Cosmos Hospital in Witbank after overturning his car on Saturday evening after the game.

Thabo Moroape, Aces' spokesman, said the player sustained minor injuries.