Nathi hopeful of a PSL spot

TONY MASHATI

JOHANNESBURG - Nathi Lions coach Mlungisi “Professor” Ngubane is confident that his young side has the beating of Absa Premiership outfit Mpumalanga Black Aces, after the two teams were drawn against each in the semifinal of the promotional play-offs.

Aces will host Lions in the first leg on March 17, with the second leg taking place exactly a week later.

Ngubane said that the good thing for his team was that they were preparing for the play-offs and was sure that Aces believed that they could preserve their PSL status until last weekend.

Then it dawned on them that they will still have to fight to remain in the elite league.

“My boys are hungry, and they have been dreaming their whole lives about playing in the top division.

“They will get their chance of realising their dreams during the play-offs,” added Ngubane.

Asked if he would have preferred other opponents instead of Aces, Ngubane answered that it will be tough facing any team and he was satisfied with the draw.

“I have seen Aces in action and I know what they are capable of, and will be ready for them.

“My players have a chance of making history and the play-offs provides them with the biggest opportunity of their careers,” said Ngubane.

Lions finished second in the coastal stream that was won by Vasco Da Gama, and Aces ended the PSL season in 15th place that saw them contest the play-offs.

“There is a lot of ability in this team and I am confident that we will get promoted.

“We won’t change anything and continue performing the way we have been doing this season and hopefully that should be enough to see us through,” stated Ngubane.

In the other semifinal Black Leopards, who narrowly lost to Vasco last weekend, get another bite at the promotion cherry when they host African Warriors in the first leg.

The teams met each other three times last season, with both sides winning one match each and the other one finishing in a stalemate.

“Because the two sides know each other so well, I expect a very tough and close encounter, but we are determined to come out on top.

“We have been in business for three years now, and we set ourselves a goal of reaching the top flight in the fourth year.

“I am confident that we will be able to make good our promise to the supporters,” said Warriors director Bafana Khumalo.

Venues will be announced later in the week.