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Khuboni defies his doubters at Aces

Thanduyise Khuboni has admitted that he was more desperate to prove himself as a footballer last season than at any other time.

'Gonondo' joined Mpumalanga Black Aces from Golden Arrows in June 2014 and said he was looking forward to working with the "wonderful" and "legendary" Clive Barker, the Aces coach at the time.

To Khuboni's disappointment, Barker preferred other players and the former Bafana Bafana midfielder spent the better part of his first season with AmaZayoni on the sidelines.

"The one thing that really frustrated me was when people kept saying that I can't compete out of [away from] Golden Arrows.

"That hurt me and I wanted to prove that I can compete anywhere," he said.

It wasn't to be, however, as the 29-year-old managed just 10 starts all of last season.

Current Aces coach Muhsin Ertugral saw things differently and on his arrival he told the club's owners to keep Khuboni.

He has now started 22 of Aces' 23 games across all competitions this season.

"My confidence is back," he announced.

"In Muhsin I have a coach who understands me as a player because we also worked well together at Arrows.

"The coach respects me and my experience. That gives me confidence going forward and that's why I've been performing well this season," he reckoned.

If reports are anything to go by, Khuboni is set for a new deal with the club.

"The management hasn't spoken to me yet, but the coach did say he would prefer that no player leaves from the current squad.

"He wants to continue with this squad next season. As for me, I'm very happy at the club. The club is doing well and I'm part of that," he added.

Aces take on United Rovers at GWK Rugby Stadium in a Nedbank Cup last-32 clash on Sunday.

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