Why Mpumalanga Black Aces does not belong to Mpumalanga. This is a game of numbers

Mpumalanga Black Aces break my heart as they belong to Gauteng. They have a Witbank name, a Johannesburg base and a Nelspruit home ground. How come? MBA spent a few First Division One seasons in Emalahleni, sometimes sharing the training facilities with archrivals, Witbank Spurs. That did not end on that clash of interests.

After the promotion to the bigger league, the kraal became too small for the two bulls. Besides, Amaziyoni wanted class and the training grounds and facilities were not first class. The Puma Stadium did not meet their professional standards. The MBA owners’ response to that need was to renovate and expand.

The custodians of the stadium were in no mood to permit that, as many stakeholders were involved, including the rugby community. Speculation has it that the local Municipality’s response to the request for land to develop a new facility did not go well. It is not clear if the land was available to start with.

Let us do the numbers now. Mpumalanga as a province has about 3 000 000 people, with Witbank accounting for about 322 000. Compare that to 2 000 000 Namibians and bear in mind that the capital city, Windhoek, whose population is around 295 000.

Witbank, and indeed Mpumalanga has no ABSA Premier Soccer League team, while Windhoek has 9 Namibia Premier League teams, 7 Division One team, 12 Second Division teams. Emalahleni and the whole of Mpumalanga has only Witbank Spurs in Division One. There are only 3 ABC Motsepe Second Division teams in the city and 38 SAB Third Division teams in the region. These numbers do not add up.

Maybe it is not about number, as these are exciting football times. As much as figures do not lie, they lie. If numbers are anything to go by, China and India would win all Fifa World Cups. Brazil would have won the latest version because they have around 20 million registered professionals playing in their 21 states and overseas.

How much you believe in that, I leave it up to you, but the issue close to my heart worries me about the communities’ ability to build homegrown town heroes. The small cities lost many cult heroes to bigger towns for obvious reasons. The playing ground being a little level, the population is content to sit out and live the past. This also brings the subject of yesterday; the foreign coaches in our national team.

While mentioning over 20 000 A Licence coaches from Spain, Germany and France, Danny Jordaan should be delivering a local coach, given his numbers that South Africa has 67 of them. Supposedly, the 32 coaches are involved with local PSL and NFD teams, one each for Amagluglug, Amajita, Amajimbos, Banyana Banyana, Basetsana and so forth. It means there is still over 27 over qualified coaches in either lower leagues or unemployed.

Anyway, the stadium is rarely occupied when Spurs plays their home games. We are sometimes unaware that they play at home. The marketing can be better but that is subject for another day. The point is that unless Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are in town, there is never soccer fever because there are no home town heroes like Frank Makua or Dumisa Ngobe anymore.

When push came to shove, Port Elizabeth imported pride at a good cost. I believe Emalahleni could have taken a leaf from the act of bravery shown by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. They courted Chippa United, attracting them to move from Cape Town.

That savvy business move to PE is rumoured to be subject to R35 million exchanging hands. The Municipality knew the benefits that came with multi-million rand deal. Of course, Chippa United scored a good buck too.

Just as scrupulous, the Maritzburg Municipality realised the business potential of having a PSL team at their doorstep. Actually, rumour has it that Maritzburg United were the first choice team for the NMBM but their local City Fathers got wind of the news and hijacked the project. They counter offered their rivals and landed the deal. At the end of the day, both Municipalities got their fish and both Chippa and Maritzburg United smiled all the way to the bank.

You may be wondering where this is going. Emalahleni Municipality could have paid less for what the two other municipalities did for the same product. Mpumalanga Black Aces may be now looking for the same deal with them or any other suitor. The City Fathers could have upgraded the facilities to the required standards, or built new ones for the benefit of this team and the new ones coming up.

The City will have many more teams in both the Premier League and First Division and soon. The facilities are needed as a matter of urgency.

Pirates restore order

As order of things were to have it, the owners of the ABSA Premier League top spot have taken their rightful  place for once. Orlando Pirates needed a bad defensive behaviour of The Students, Bidvest Wits, who led 2-0 at half time and eventually surrendered 3 second half goals. The Sea Robbers did not need the support of the Happy People, only 5000 coming to watch the match. That is a shame.

Supersport United came into the party with a handy 1-0 victory over local archrivals and championship pretenders, Mamelodi Sundowns, in the Pretoria derby. The faded champions eased the worries of coach, Gavin Hunt, who used the sniper instincts of Erasmus. Matsatsantsa a Pitori may be on their way back.

It was all tears after tears in the Dube Birds camp, as Moroka Swallows were hit for 4 by Usuthu. Swallows coach, Gordon Igusend was frustrated by the way they gave too much space to Amazulu. Trying to get out of the relegation zone may be a tough call, but not impossible for Izinyoni, who had a cool 3-1 victory a few days back.

One team assured of not being in the league next season by their own undoing, is Mpumalanga Black Aces. Amaziyoni just managed to keep their heads over the water in the play off last season, by they are not Premier League material. Recycled football may bring a glimmer of hope here and there, but their case was concluded by yet another defeat, this time a 0-1 margin to Santos.

Hopefully, there will be something to say about Kaizer Chiefs soon.

New South Africa League Match Concept Cool Or Not?

The South Africa Premier Soccer League kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday, with a Greenpoint Stadium double-header concept in Cape Town, that should have been also used for a Bidvest Wits vs Supersport United match at Coca Cola Park Stadium. Wits beat defending champions by a cool 3 goals without reply.

The eye-sore as mentioned earlier, was the size of the crowd. There is something very wrong about African football. Supersport have been South African champions a million times in a row, yet one can count their followers on one hand. There will always be a full house in most Pirates, Chiefs or Celtics matches. Sundowns pull good crowds but are not in the same class.

Orlando Pirates beat new league comers, Vasco Da Gama 2-1, with veteran Sibusiso Zuma playing a pivotal role for the Cape side. Zuma had come back from overseas to join Mamelodi Sundowns, but the move proved to be a big flop despite his R200 000,00 monthly pay cheque. On Friday, he was actually on fire and scored Vasco's only goal. The Buccaneers scored through LuckyLekgwati's acrobatic overhead, just an inch before the goal-line.

The double-header was completed with a Bloemfontein Celtics match against Ajax Cape Town who triumphed 2-0. Celtics were their own enemies missing seater after seater. The atmosphere was vibrant and almost a full house. Is this the answer to small crowds pulled by teams like Supersport, Platinum Stars and Wits?

Frankly, I am not sure how small teams will benefit from the double-header arrangements except with gate taking which I am not sure how they are split. Usually, team fans are a decided lot that are not easily swayed over night.

Platinum Stars were fortunate enough to get an injury time winner from Coldrin Coetzee who had come in as a sub against Mpumalanga Black Aces. The teams seemed headed for a 2-2 draw at Puma's Atlantic Stadium in Witbank.

Kaizer Chiefs beat Golden Arrows 2-0 at the Rand Stadium and Mamelodi Sundowns overcame Moroka Swallows by the same margin, Zimbabwean Mushekwi scoring a debut brace. Santos and Sunday Chidzambwa's Free State Stars paled to a goalless draw. 

By far the game of the week was the KZN derby, Amazulu vs Maritzburg. The action packed match was deadlocked at 2-2 when an injury time clinical strike separated the boys from men, to win it 3-2. Former Chiefs defender had a spectacular own goal. Simphiwe Mkhonza lobed over his goalie when the ball struck him unawares. Pernell McKop should be pleased with the performance of his goalkeeper.

As a matter of interest, Bafana Bafana match tickets will cost R50,00 minimum. There was a comparison of Rugby test match tickets that go for R350,00. Maybe while figures don't lie, the catchment areas differ, but of course, R50,00 for an international event is not much.

Are for the idea of double headers to boost least supported teams?

New South Africa League Match Concept Cool Or Not?

The South Africa Premier Soccer League kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday, with a Greenpoint Stadium double-header concept in Cape Town, that should have been also used for a Bidvest Wits vs Supersport United match at Coca Cola Park Stadium. Wits beat defending champions by a cool 3 goals without reply.

The eye-sore as mentioned earlier, was the size of the crowd. There is something very wrong about African football. Supersport have been South African champions a million times in a row, yet one can count their followers on one hand. There will always be a full house in most Pirates, Chiefs or Celtics matches. Sundowns pull good crowds but are not in the same class.

Orlando Pirates beat new league comers, Vasco Da Gama 2-1, with veteran Sibusiso Zuma playing a pivotal role for the Cape side. Zuma had come back from overseas to join Mamelodi Sundowns, but the move proved to be a big flop despite his R200 000,00 monthly pay cheque. On Friday, he was actually on fire and scored Vasco's only goal. The Buccaneers scored through LuckyLekgwati's acrobatic overhead, just an inch before the goal-line.

The double-header was completed with a Bloemfontein Celtics match against Ajax Cape Town who triumphed 2-0. Celtics were their own enemies missing seater after seater. The atmosphere was vibrant and almost a full house. Is this the answer to small crowds pulled by teams like Supersport, Platinum Stars and Wits?

Frankly, I am not sure how small teams will benefit from the double-header arrangements except with gate taking which I am not sure how they are split. Usually, team fans are a decided lot that are not easily swayed over night.

Platinum Stars were fortunate enough to get an injury time winner from Coldrin Coetzee who had come in as a sub against Mpumalanga Black Aces. The teams seemed headed for a 2-2 draw at Puma's Atlantic Stadium in Witbank.

Kaizer Chiefs beat Golden Arrows 2-0 at the Rand Stadium and Mamelodi Sundowns overcame Moroka Swallows by the same margin, Zimbabwean Mushekwi scoring a debut brace. Santos and Sunday Chidzambwa's Free State Stars paled to a goalless draw. 

By far the game of the week was the KZN derby, Amazulu vs Maritzburg. The action packed match was deadlocked at 2-2 when an injury time clinical strike separated the boys from men, to win it 3-2. Former Chiefs defender had a spectacular own goal. Simphiwe Mkhonza lobed over his goalie when the ball struck him unawares. Pernell McKop should be pleased with the performance of his goalkeeper.

As a matter of interest, Bafana Bafana match tickets will cost R50,00 minimum. There was a comparison of Rugby test match tickets that go for R350,00. Maybe while figures don't lie, the catchment areas differ, but of course, R50,00 for an international event is not much.

Are for the idea of double headers to boost least supported teams?

New South Africa League Match Concept Cool Or Not?

The South Africa Premier Soccer League kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday, with a Greenpoint Stadium double-header concept in Cape Town, that should have been also used for a Bidvest Wits vs Supersport United match at Coca Cola Park Stadium. Wits beat defending champions by a cool 3 goals without reply.

The eye-sore as mentioned earlier, was the size of the crowd. There is something very wrong about African football. Supersport have been South African champions a million times in a row, yet one can count their followers on one hand. There will always be a full house in most Pirates, Chiefs or Celtics matches. Sundowns pull good crowds but are not in the same class.

Orlando Pirates beat new league comers, Vasco Da Gama 2-1, with veteran Sibusiso Zuma playing a pivotal role for the Cape side. Zuma had come back from overseas to join Mamelodi Sundowns, but the move proved to be a big flop despite his R200 000,00 monthly pay cheque. On Friday, he was actually on fire and scored Vasco's only goal. The Buccaneers scored through LuckyLekgwati's acrobatic overhead, just an inch before the goal-line.

The double-header was completed with a Bloemfontein Celtics match against Ajax Cape Town who triumphed 2-0. Celtics were their own enemies missing seater after seater. The atmosphere was vibrant and almost a full house. Is this the answer to small crowds pulled by teams like Supersport, Platinum Stars and Wits?

Frankly, I am not sure how small teams will benefit from the double-header arrangements except with gate taking which I am not sure how they are split. Usually, team fans are a decided lot that are not easily swayed over night.

Platinum Stars were fortunate enough to get an injury time winner from Coldrin Coetzee who had come in as a sub against Mpumalanga Black Aces. The teams seemed headed for a 2-2 draw at Puma's Atlantic Stadium in Witbank.

Kaizer Chiefs beat Golden Arrows 2-0 at the Rand Stadium and Mamelodi Sundowns overcame Moroka Swallows by the same margin, Zimbabwean Mushekwi scoring a debut brace. Santos and Sunday Chidzambwa's Free State Stars paled to a goalless draw. 

By far the game of the week was the KZN derby, Amazulu vs Maritzburg. The action packed match was deadlocked at 2-2 when an injury time clinical strike separated the boys from men, to win it 3-2. Former Chiefs defender had a spectacular own goal. Simphiwe Mkhonza lobed over his goalie when the ball struck him unawares. Pernell McKop should be pleased with the performance of his goalkeeper.

As a matter of interest, Bafana Bafana match tickets will cost R50,00 minimum. There was a comparison of Rugby test match tickets that go for R350,00. Maybe while figures don't lie, the catchment areas differ, but of course, R50,00 for an international event is not much.

Are for the idea of double headers to boost least supported teams?

New South Africa League Match Concept Cool Or Not?

The South Africa Premier Soccer League kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday, with a Greenpoint Stadium double-header concept in Cape Town, that should have been also used for a Bidvest Wits vs Supersport United match at Coca Cola Park Stadium. Wits beat defending champions by a cool 3 goals without reply.

The eye-sore as mentioned earlier, was the size of the crowd. There is something very wrong about African football. Supersport have been South African champions a million times in a row, yet one can count their followers on one hand. There will always be a full house in most Pirates, Chiefs or Celtics matches. Sundowns pull good crowds but are not in the same class.

Orlando Pirates beat new league comers, Vasco Da Gama 2-1, with veteran Sibusiso Zuma playing a pivotal role for the Cape side. Zuma had come back from overseas to join Mamelodi Sundowns, but the move proved to be a big flop despite his R200 000,00 monthly pay cheque. On Friday, he was actually on fire and scored Vasco's only goal. The Buccaneers scored through LuckyLekgwati's acrobatic overhead, just an inch before the goal-line.

The double-header was completed with a Bloemfontein Celtics match against Ajax Cape Town who triumphed 2-0. Celtics were their own enemies missing seater after seater. The atmosphere was vibrant and almost a full house. Is this the answer to small crowds pulled by teams like Supersport, Platinum Stars and Wits?

Frankly, I am not sure how small teams will benefit from the double-header arrangements except with gate taking which I am not sure how they are split. Usually, team fans are a decided lot that are not easily swayed over night.

Platinum Stars were fortunate enough to get an injury time winner from Coldrin Coetzee who had come in as a sub against Mpumalanga Black Aces. The teams seemed headed for a 2-2 draw at Puma's Atlantic Stadium in Witbank.

Kaizer Chiefs beat Golden Arrows 2-0 at the Rand Stadium and Mamelodi Sundowns overcame Moroka Swallows by the same margin, Zimbabwean Mushekwi scoring a debut brace. Santos and Sunday Chidzambwa's Free State Stars paled to a goalless draw. 

By far the game of the week was the KZN derby, Amazulu vs Maritzburg. The action packed match was deadlocked at 2-2 when an injury time clinical strike separated the boys from men, to win it 3-2. Former Chiefs defender had a spectacular own goal. Simphiwe Mkhonza lobed over his goalie when the ball struck him unawares. Pernell McKop should be pleased with the performance of his goalkeeper.

As a matter of interest, Bafana Bafana match tickets will cost R50,00 minimum. There was a comparison of Rugby test match tickets that go for R350,00. Maybe while figures don't lie, the catchment areas differ, but of course, R50,00 for an international event is not much.

Are for the idea of double headers to boost least supported teams?

15 New Signings, Is this Highlanders or what?

If I had a football club and released 15 players and replaced them with another 15, I would call myself a genius, but guess what, it's not me and it's not my team and I feel this is nuts. Maybe there is a point, I don't know. If you want to make it easy on top, get a list and addresses of players released by Mpumalanga Black Aces of South Africa and sign them on en masse. You will win the league.

Witbank's Mpumalanga Black Aces recruited 15 new palers and fired the same number. They signed former Orlando Pirates captain Lehlohonolo Seema, BidVest Wits midfielder Marawaan Bantam, winner of the Nedbank Cup last season, striker Brice Aka from Martizburg United, two experienced international goalkeepers Denis Onyango from PSL champions SuperSport United and DR Congo's Francis Chansa from Wits, German-born central defender Marc Eberle who, apart from playing in Germany, Belgium, and Holland also played under Aces coach Aki Ayiomamidis in the Cyprus First Division for Aris FC.

At first you would think it's Highlanders FC of Zimbabwe who are restructuring, but then, Aces claim statistics show they recorded the 3rd highest home attendance at their games last season and are now aiming to be a top 5 team. Far fetched? Ask me end of the season.

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15 New Signings, Is this Highlanders or what?

If I had a football club and released 15 players and replaced them with another 15, I would call myself a genius, but guess what, it's not me and it's not my team and I feel this is nuts. Maybe there is a point, I don't know. If you want to make it easy on top, get a list and addresses of players released by Mpumalanga Black Aces of South Africa and sign them on en masse. You will win the league.

Witbank's Mpumalanga Black Aces recruited 15 new palers and fired the same number. They signed former Orlando Pirates captain Lehlohonolo Seema, BidVest Wits midfielder Marawaan Bantam, winner of the Nedbank Cup last season, striker Brice Aka from Martizburg United, two experienced international goalkeepers Denis Onyango from PSL champions SuperSport United and DR Congo's Francis Chansa from Wits, German-born central defender Marc Eberle who, apart from playing in Germany, Belgium, and Holland also played under Aces coach Aki Ayiomamidis in the Cyprus First Division for Aris FC.

At first you would think it's Highlanders FC of Zimbabwe who are restructuring, but then, Aces claim statistics show they recorded the 3rd highest home attendance at their games last season and are now aiming to be a top 5 team. Far fetched? Ask me end of the season.

[polldaddy poll="3541321"]