By SAMUEL LUKHANDA –

• MPUMALANGA Black Aces striker Collins Mbesuma holds off Bidvest Wits defenders during the Absa Premiership game at Bidvets Stadium on Friday. Picture courtesy of SOCCER LADUMA

COLLINS Mbesuma scored a brace as Mpumalanga Black Aces came from a goal down to beat Bidvest Wits and temporarily go top of the South African Absa Premiership table.
The match played on Friday night saw the in-form Zambian striker take his goal tally to 10 as he rallied Aces to a 2-1 victory against a relentless Gavin Hunt-coached side.
The game started on an entertaining note with Wits taking the game to their visitors and wasting many chances.
Aces gave away a needless free kick in their half and Wits made them pay as Daine Klate wiped in the ball for Thulani Hlatshwayo to head home for the lead in the 10th minute.
The lead was erased in the 16th minute when Mbesuma, the Aces captain, met a Lebogang Manyame cross in the box to restore parity.
Realising that Aces meant business, Wits upped their game and dominated proceedings as the home side soaked up the pressure.
Mbesuma was taxed with holding the ball in the final third to allow his team mates come into play which he did with poise.
He was isolated at times up front but used his burly frame and power to hold possession and always looked assured and dangerous.
Mbesuma came close in the 67th minute when a long cross came in from the right wing only for him to head over.
He again showed his unique attributes when another long ball came in the 82nd minute as he bullied the Wits defence in the box to slot home for a 2-1 lead.
Aces were, prior to yesterday’s PSL games, leading the log with 30 points from 14 games, a point ahead of Wits, who were top heading into this fixture.