Mpumalanga Black Aces coach Clive Barker gave a lifeline to controversial players Mabhuti Khenyeza and Mbulelo Mabizela last season, but he must have known there would be drama along the way.
Khenyeza remains in Barker's good books after the striker scored the winning goal in Aces' 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday. But Mabizela's future with the club is uncertain following his alleged training ground bust-up with Barker, who has left him out of recent matches.
The coach praised Khenyeza for having the confidence to step up and take a penalty, which ended his eight-month scoring drought.
"By taking the responsibility and then scoring is really fantastic. I am also delighted Collins [Mbesuma] scored. There are thoughts that Collins and Mabhuti can't play together [upfront], but they got the goals that counted," the former Bafana Bafana coach said after Aces' fourth victory of the campaign.
Barker refused to comment on Mabizela.
"I give everybody a chance and I introduced him back into the game, but I am not going to comment about it, okay."
Aces have gone six matches unbeaten in the league.
"I am so proud of everybody. I am so pleased that so many people turned out for the game against Pirates ... I am just happy for the quality of football and I am sure we made people sit up and take notice," Barker said.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
