Aces hope for another fairytale

06 March 2009 - 02:00
By unknown

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

When National First Division club Mpumalanga Black Aces predicted a fairytale in the first instalment of the Nedbank Cup last season, no one took them seriously.

But it's history that they reached the final of Ke Yona where they gave the star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns a hard time, losing 1-0.

AmaZayoni have made the same prediction this year and their mission begins with a last-32 tie at Witbank's Ackerville Stadium on Sunday against Bloemfontein Celtic, who are scrapping for their lives in the Premiership.

Kaizer Chiefs snapped up their prized players Thabang Rooi and Gordon Gilbert. They may look depleted going into Ke Yona this season, but Aces still believe they can cause another upset.

They could be justified as they have a gem in Vusiwe "TK" Masondo, the potent left-winger voted player of the tournament last time.

Gert Schalkwyk is a threat for Celtic, who have also been boosted by the return of Petros Mahlatsi and Mario Booysen.

Celtic will be wary of NFD opposition after Ikapa Sporting saw them off 3-2 at this stage of the tournament last season.

Nathi Lions should beat GaRankuwa United at Chatsworth Stadium. Winners Park are tipped to overcome the unknown Maluti FET at Charles Mopeli Stadium.

All the matches will be played on Sunday, starting at 3pm.

The Aces-Celtic match will be beamed live on SuperSport 4.