Bucs' erratic form not an advantage for Aces

18 September 2015 - 02:13 By Marc Strydom

Collins Mbesuma is fit, new Liberian striker Kpah Sherman is available and Mpumalanga Black Aces' confidence is high going into their Absa Premiership match against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium tonight. Muhsin Ertugral, the PSL's first coach of the month for steering Aces to an unbeaten start, would appear to have the cards in his hand against a Buccaneers team reeling from a 4-1 away defeat against Zamalek in the Caf Confederation Cup on Sunday, and in erratic form domestically.But Ertugral was quick to play down any thoughts of cracks showing at the Buccaneers, or of his side having any sort of shot at an upset victory thanks to the effects of the exertions of Pirates' continental campaign."Anyone who underestimates Pirates would make a huge mistake. They have good players - above the level of South African football," Ertugral said yesterday."I have been in that situation they are in, playing in an African cup. And it's difficult. Travelling from SA to Paris, then Tunisia to play a game, then coming back to play domestically, is a challenge."Pirates should be wary of the firepower Ertugral has available to him. And Pirates coach Eric Tinkler may choose to restructure a defence that was porous against Zamalek. He admitted his side's thumping at the hands of Zamalek in Cairo was a wake-up call."It was a wake-up call to everybody. It's back to the league. We've got the game against Aces and I think it's vitally important we secure the three points playing at home," the coach said...

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