Aces eye Confed Cup spot

MPUMALANGA Black Aces left back Lehlohonolo Nonyane is hoping they can finish at least third in the Absa Premiership and qualify for next year’s CAF Confederation Cup.

A run of six matches without a victory has all but ended Aces ’ hopes of winning the league this season, but they believe a top three finish is possible.

They would, however, need to make major improvements having struggled to register victories in the second half of the season. Fifth-placed Aces, who were held to a 1-1 draw by University of Pretoria at the weekend, can also qualify for the Confederation Cup by winning the Nedbank Cup.

“It’s every player’s dream to play on the continent, where it’s tougher, ” said Nonyane.

“You want to play there so you can test yourself. It will help us be mentally stronger. If we can get 15 points then we stand a good chance of finishing third and qualifying for the Confederation Cup.”

When the Bafana Bafana squad was announced last Thursday, Nonyane did not really expect to see his name on the list of players to face Cameroon in back-to-back 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month.

He was part of the squad when Bafana beat Angola over two legs in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in November, but admits he has not done enough to be part of the current team.

“During the first half of the season I think I did pretty well. [But] for the past three matches I have not been doing so well.

“I am really disappointed that I am not part of the squad, but my performances have not been up to scratch. I just have to go back, watch my videos and rectify my mistakes.”