Mpumalanga Black Aces head coach Muhsin Ertugral has exceeded the club's expectations according to the club's management.

The Turkish-born mentor was initially given a mandate to get the club into the top eight after signing a two-year contract. This was after the club finished 10th last season. Ertugral, who has coached Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town in South Africa, felt this was too low a target.

He subsequently set his own target.

"We mandated Muhsin for a top-10 position and Muhsin said: 'Never. I will never be in the top 10. I'm gonna take this club to a top-five position," according to the club's co-chairman Mario Morfou.

True to Ertugral's word, AmaZayoni are currently fifth on the Absa Premiership table with seven matches to go and "the directors are pleased".

"We didn't expect this. This is the best coach we've ever had; his tactical ability, his technical ability, the way that he just gets the players to play. Muhsin is doing exceptionally well. He is in a league of his own."

With this in mind, Morfou expects the club to punch well above its weight next season.

"I believe that the club will do better next season," he said.

Morfou also revealed that Aces had already identified their targets for next season but would continue to give more South African youngsters an opportunity.