Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
MUHSIN Ertugral might have got unfancied Mpumalanga Black Aces into a share of the leadership of the Premier Soccer League standings, but the coach says his greatest satisfaction this season comes from the successful introduction of young players to the first team.
Ertugral has given opportunities to academy products Aubrey Modiba, Thabo Nodada and Judas Mosemaedi, who are now candidates for the South African under-23 squad to play in this year’s Olympic Games.
Modiba has made 10 starts, Mosemaedi seven and Nodada five in the league this season.
The 20-year-old Nodada got huge plaudits from his coach after filling Mpho Matsi’s midfield role in the 2-1 win over Wits on Friday.
"I’ve just loved Thabo since the beginning of the season, but we waited for the right time to start him. Not having Mpho Matsi available was a big blow for us because he wins so many balls. But Thabo can play as winger as well as No 10. I’m excited about him and I hope the selectors will take notice of him for the Olympic under-23 team," said Ertugral, who joined Mpumalanga Black Aces at the start of the campaign.
Modiba, 20, has become a regular on the left wing and although Ertugral was furious with him after a clumsy foul led to a Wits free kick and a predictable early goal, the coach said: "He is also a fantastic player."
Mosemaedi caught the eye in October, when he scored two goals as Aces came from 0-2 down to draw with then leaders Platinum Stars. When he arrived as a trialist at Aces, he had just a plastic bag with old boots that were held together by sellotape, according to Aces officials.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Young guns make Ertugral happy
MUHSIN Ertugral might have got unfancied Mpumalanga Black Aces into a share of the leadership of the Premier Soccer League standings, but the coach says his greatest satisfaction this season comes from the successful introduction of young players to the first team.
Ertugral has given opportunities to academy products Aubrey Modiba, Thabo Nodada and Judas Mosemaedi, who are now candidates for the South African under-23 squad to play in this year’s Olympic Games.
Modiba has made 10 starts, Mosemaedi seven and Nodada five in the league this season.
The 20-year-old Nodada got huge plaudits from his coach after filling Mpho Matsi’s midfield role in the 2-1 win over Wits on Friday.
"I’ve just loved Thabo since the beginning of the season, but we waited for the right time to start him. Not having Mpho Matsi available was a big blow for us because he wins so many balls. But Thabo can play as winger as well as No 10. I’m excited about him and I hope the selectors will take notice of him for the Olympic under-23 team," said Ertugral, who joined Mpumalanga Black Aces at the start of the campaign.
Modiba, 20, has become a regular on the left wing and although Ertugral was furious with him after a clumsy foul led to a Wits free kick and a predictable early goal, the coach said: "He is also a fantastic player."
Mosemaedi caught the eye in October, when he scored two goals as Aces came from 0-2 down to draw with then leaders Platinum Stars. When he arrived as a trialist at Aces, he had just a plastic bag with old boots that were held together by sellotape, according to Aces officials.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.