With what constituted a classic Roy Of the Rovers underdog success, lower division MP Black Aces qualified for the lucrative Nedbank Cup final at Atteridgeville’s Super Stadium on Saturday afternoon after gaining a 1-0 victory over Free State Stars.
Even if the emerging club ultimately fail in their quest for the R6-million prize, they will be able to bank the whopping R2,5-million runners-up cheque — a great deal more than any PSL first division club has earned in the past.
Before a meagre crowd of little more than 2 500 on a rain-soaked afternoon, Kabamba Mousasa scored the solitary goal in the 60th minute after the Stars’ defence found themselves in a tangle and left the DRC international unmarked.
It is an uncanny coincidence that the gallant, undaunted Aces have now emulated Cardiff City in reaching a national final from the realms of a lower league — particularly as the formula of the Nedbank Cup is based on that of England’s tradition-steeped FA Cup.
For all this, Premier League Free State Stars can blame themselves for their defeat after enjoying 70% of the possession and then demonstrating finishing that would have shamed a team of schoolboys.
Aces goalkeeper Michael Babale, a central figure in revealing the bribery scandal against FC AK that this week, dealt competently and confidently with the few shots on target.
With the rain falling incessantly throughout the 90 minutes, Aces and former South African under-23 coach Kenny Ndlazi braved the inclement weather by standing on the touchline throughout without the protection of an umbrella.
And, whatever his reasons, it seemed to act as an infectious battle cry to his players, who then carried him off the pitch after the final whistle — pouring bottles of water over his head for good measure. – Sapa