Success of young 'uns has made Muhsin's day

20 January 2016 - 02:38 By Mark Gleeson

Muhsin Ertugral might have got unfancied Mpumalanga Black Aces up into a share of the lead on the Premier Soccer League standings, but the coach says his greatest satisfaction this season comes from the successful integration of several young players into the first team. Ertugral has given opportunities to academy products Aubrey Modiba, Thabo Nodada and Judas Mosemaedi, who are now candidates for the South African Under-23 squad to play in this year's Olympic Games.Modiba has made 10 starts, Mosemaedi seven and Nodada five in the league this season.The 20-year-old Nodada got massive plaudits from his coach after filling Mpho Matsi's midfield role in the 2-1 win over Bidvest Wits on Friday night."I've just loved Thabo Nodada since the beginning of the season but we waited for the right time to start him. Not having Mpho Matsi available was a big blow but Thabo can play wing and No10."I'm excited about him and I hope the selectors will take notice of him for the Olympic Under-23 team," said Ertugral, who joined Aces at the start of the campaign.Modiba, 20, has become a regular on the left wing. Although Ertugral was furious with him after a clumsy foul led to a Wits free kick and a predictable early goal, the coach recovered enough to say: "He's also a fantastic player."..

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