Star strikers face off
Deadly strikers Collins Mbesuma and Jeremy Brockie are to return to the starting lineup for Mpumalanga Black Aces and Supersport United respectively when the teams meet in Friday's Nedbank Cup quarterfinal.It's a thrilling prospect.Brockie missed Supersport's 2-0 victory over Platinum Stars on Sunday due to personal reasons, but he's back to terrorise the opposition.The New Zealander curled in a beauty against Moroka Swallows in the last 32 and then inspired a comeback against University of Pretoria before Matsatsantsa won the last 16 clash via a penalty shoot-out.Teammate Clayton Daniels said Brockie's presence upfront would be vital in breaking down Aces' usually solid defence."Brockie is an important player in our team. He has scored a lot of goals for us and we are happy to have him back. Aces are a well structured team, so it's going to be a difficult game."Daniels believes the game against Aces is coming at the right time as Supersport seem to have found their form ."We are starting to get a little bit of identity in our team," he said."We are working hard, we are listening to the coach and it shows on the field."I think this is the right time to play a game like this and we are looking forward to it."But Aces have their own weapon: the league's top scorer, Collins Mbesuma.Mbesuma was rested for Aces' last match against Maritzburg United and is expected to make a return at Lucas Moripe Stadium.The Zambian has scored 13 goals in the league, but the last time he hit the back of the net was j ust over five weeks ago in Aces' 1-1 home draw against Pretoria University on March 12. His side slipped from second place on the log to fifth.But said Aces defender Ashraf Hendricks of his captain: " I think he's definitely coming into his own and will start scoring again."Hendricks also had plenty of praise for his coach, Muhsin Ertugral, saying: "He has tactical and organisational skills like no coach I've ever worked with."Aces' recent victory against Maritzburg in the Nedbank last-16 is a sign that their fortunes are changing for the better again...
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