Aces eye automatic promotion
Hazard warning for Spurs
MPUMALANGA Black Aces are aiming for automatic promotion to the PSL next season after reclaiming top spot on the National First Division log at the weekend.
AmaZayoni returned to the summit of the log following a hard-fought 1-0 win over Vasco da Gama in Middelburg on Sunday.
In the process, Aces dethroned their biggest rivals, Thanda Royal Zulu, who did not play at the weekend. Aces lead the table with 43 points, followed by Thanda Royal and Santos, who are both a point behind.
Former Bafana striker Siyabonga Nontshinga scored the all-important goal. Midfielder Sibusiso Themba is upbeat that they will gain automatic promotion: “We are approaching the last few metres of the finish line.
“We just need to win the three remaining games against FC AK, Dynamos and Thanda to complete our campaign. ”
Aces coach Jacob Sakala is however cautious: “The victory over Vasco da Gama is water under the bridge now, we have started preparing for Wednesday’s game against FC AK. All the remaining matches are a must-win for us ...” LONDON – Chelsea are hopeful Belgium winger Eden Hazard can shrug off a calf problem in time for tomorrow’s crucial Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.
The quicksilver Hazard was forced to miss Sunday ’ s 1-0 victory at champions Manchester United after sustaining the injury in the Europa League semifinal win over Swiss club Basel on Thursday.
“He has a problem with his calf,” interim manager Rafael Benitez told the club’s website. Chelsea climbed into the third and final automatic Champions League qualifying spot after the win at United and they go into tomorrow ’ s game knowing a victory against Spurs will virtually kill off the top-three chances of their London rivals.
The fourth-placed team enters the Champions League at the play-off round and must win a two-legged knockout tie to advance to the group stage.
Benitez’s squad have 68 points with three games to go, one ahead of Arsenal (two games remaining) and three in front of fifthplaced Spurs, who also have an inferior goal difference of +18 compared to Chelsea’s +34.
Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas, sacked by Chelsea 14 months ago, said he felt no special attachment to his former club.
“I’m not sure if I spent enough time there for me to feel anything,” the Portuguese said of his eight-month reign at Stamford Bridge.
“Chelsea is just like any other team, it’s about the result and hopefully by the end there can be a little more satisfaction.”
Spurs have not won at the ’ Bridge since 1990 but Villas-Boas will have a trump card up his sleeve in the form of Premier League Player of the Year Gareth Bale. – Reuters