National First Division Play-offs
Match: MP Black Aces v Chippa United
Date: 01 June 2013
Venue: Themba Senamela Stadium
Mpumalanga Black Aces will look to get off to a winning start when they host Chippa United in a promotion play-off fixture at the Themba Senamela Stadium on Saturday.
AmaZayoni ended their 2012/13 National First Division campaign in third place to set up a battle with Santos and Chippa United for the last available spot in the Absa Premiership.
Jacob Sakala’s men needed a win on the final matchday to finish on top of the table, which would’ve secured automatic promotion, but were held to a 1-1 draw by Thanda Royal Zulu.
During the 2012/13 campaign Aces won six, drew eight and lost just one of their home matches, a record that will boost their confidence ahead of Saturday fixture.
Chippa United on the other hand narrowly survived automatic relegation to the NFD as they finished in 15thplace in the Absa Premiership at the end of the 2012/13 season.
The Chilli Boys already have one point in the bag following Wednesday’s 0-0 draw against Santos, but will be looking for maximum points in order to pull away from the pack.
However, the Cape Town side will have to improve on the away form they showed in the Absa Premiership where they won two, drew three and lost ten of the 15 matches played away from home.
When the two sides met in the National First Division during the 2011/12 season Chippa United won 2-0 at home, while the return fixture ended in a 2-2 draw.
Here is how they line up.
Aces: Bafana Nhlapo, Mohou Motaung, Enrico Adolph, Zamoxolo Ngalo, Thabang Rooi, Sandile Zuke, Setjhaba Mmuso, Tshidiso Mosikidi, Esau Mtsweni, Diyo Sibisi, Thabo Qalinge
Chippa: Tashriqu Goldamn, Ridiger Gilbert, Tshepo Toomanyane, Msekeli Mvalo, James Okwuosa, Issa Sarr, Thomas Amegnaglo, William Twala, Benjani Mwaruwari, Philani Dlamini, Asavela Mbekile
