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Johannesburg - Mpumalanga Black Aces' new coach Paul Dolezar has his sights set on signing unsettled Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana midfield playmaker Teko Modise on loan.
Dolezar, who joined the bottom-of-the-log Aces at the start of the month said on Tuesday he had tried to contact Pirates' chairperson Irvin Khoza with a view to getting Modise for the remaining five months of the season.
"I have tried unsuccessfully to contact Irvin, but I am not giving up as I believe getting Modise to Aces on loan will help everyone," said Dolezar.
He has already signed former Pirates' captain and Bafana midfielder Benedict Vilakazi on loan from leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, plus David Mathebula and Thabang Rooi from Kaizer Chiefs, also on loan.
Dolezar has made sweeping changes to Aces, who are rooted at the bottom of the Absa Premiership with five points from 14 fixtures by this week, placing 15 players on transfer as Aces begin their relegation dogfight.
The French-speaking coach said Modise would be guaranteed game time at Aces.
"Modise is not playing for Pirates. He is not even on the bench. That is sad, as he is a great player who needs to play.
"I am prepared to build up Modise mentally, psychologically and physically and return him to Pirates an even better player than he was in his prime before the World Cup finals.
"That is the deal I have with Sundowns and Chiefs. I guarantee I will return all the players on loan to their clubs in peak form.
"I believe such a loan deal with Modise would benefit not just Pirates, Aces and Modise, but Bafana as well.
"South Africa needs fit and in-form Modise for the forthcoming African Nations Cup qualifiers this year," he said.
Modise fell out with Bucs' coach Ruud Krol and has played only a handful of matches this season. He was not even on the bench for Pirates' 0-0 draw against Santos at the Orlando Stadium at the weekend.
There are rumours that Modise has gone absent and is not training with the club.
"Modise could play a major role in helping Aces avoid relegation and then go back to Pirates with his confidence and fitness restored," said Dolezar.
He is also set to sign a Nigerian striker and a big name local striker this week.
He hoped to tie up the deals before Wednesday night’s relegation battle against second bottom Moroka Swallows at the Dobsonville Stadium.
