Cape Town - Mpho Matsi says the Mpumalanga Black Aces squad is relieved to be able to refocus on pre-season training after the proposed sale of the club's Premiership status to AmaZulu fell-through.
Last week, the PSL blocked Usuthu's attempt to buy back their place in the top-flight next season after they had lodged a staggering R84m bid with AmaZayoni.
Having only joined Aces last month from University of Pretoria, Matsi revealed his anxiety on whether he had made the right decision during the height of the rumours.
"As players we are just glad that we can put that matter behind us and concentrate on the new season," Matsi told Football411.
"We haven't stopped training and despite the rumours we continued to work hard and tried to avoid any distractions.
"Honestly, for me personally it was a worry, especially so soon after I had joined the club. But I kept my feet on the ground and was a professional throughout that time.
"Moving here was a new challenge for me and a test of character as a footballer after spending my entire career at Tuks."