Share

Barker running out of Aces

Cape Town - Mpumalanga Black Aces are under pressure to build on the recently gathered momentum, when they play against Free State Stars at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

Black Aces recently beat AmaZulu 3-1, away from home, and ordinarily they will be confident about their prospects of collecting three points against a struggling Stars outfit. However, the circumstances are a tad more complicated than that, as the team currently resembles the walking wounded.

First on that extensive injury list is Dennis Masina, who has an ankle ligament injury and will not be available for the remainder of the year.

Mabhuti Khenyeza is grappling with a hamstring injury but has returned to light training and should be available in a week’s time.

Kwabena Adusei has knee troubles. He went for a scan earlier this week and should have a clearer idea of just how grave the situation is before the week ends.

Valery Nahayo is still being assessed by the doctors and pronouncements on his state of health will only be made next week. Lehlohonolo Nonyane (hamstring strain) will miss the Free State Stars game but is expected back in time for the match against the other Free State team Bloemfontein Celtic.

Clifford Ngobeni is recovering well and is expected back to light training tomorrow. Bafana Nhlapo, Abia Nale and Esau Mtsweni have recovered and are back in training.

When Barker makes his final selection this week, there will be several decisions to make and risks to be taken.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE