Mpumalanga Black Aces mean business.
After a disastrous first season in the Absa premiership last season, Amazayoni have made a number of changes in their team.
Black Aces have signed 15 new players to boost their squad, releasing the same number of players.
It will be interesting to see how Aces will fare this season, having survived relegation through the play offs, they must have learnt a lot from that experience.
The arrival of highly experienced Ugandan goal minder, Denis Onyango, formerly of Supersport United will bring much needed stability in their defence, he will have tough competition from another PSL veteran goalkeeper in Francis Chansa who joined Aces from Bidvest Wits.
Joseph Henyekane, signed from Lamontville Golden Arrows is another experienced campaigner, the left-back will be hoping to make his mark away from Arrows where he was constantly under his brother's shadow. His arrival will be a major boost for Aces at left-back.
There is also former Orlando Pirates captain Lehlohonolo Seema, If he can manage to overcome his injury problems, he will be a valuable addition to the Amazayoni defence.
But the most exciting signings for Aces are in midfield. They made a number of signings for their engine room, but two players stand out from the lot.
Marawaan Bantam and Bafo |Biyela are two underrated midfielders who can win games for any team, I'm sure Aces coach will have less headaches in the coming season. Bantam has proved his worth as a player since his early days at Santos up until he joined Bidvest Wits where he continued to perfome week in week out. I believe he was unlucky not to play for one of the so called big teams.
Bafo Biyela was developing into a respected midfielder until he had problems with Neil Tovey at Amazulu, he will view his move to Aces as an opportunity to revive his career, things did not work out for him at Arrows after he left Usuthu.
Aki Agiomamitis, the aces coach, will have a stronger team this season and he must be a happy man. the signing of Brice Aka from Maritzburg united will also bolster his strking force.
We can rest assured that Aces will be meaner this season.
