… Ghosts have wind in their sails
WINDHOEK – Both FNB Orlando Pirates and Black Africa coaches Ali Akan and Brian Isaacs harbour equal hopes of securing the bragging rights come tonight.
Pirates are on the brink of lifting their first major trophy in as many years and anticipate victory over their rivals in tonight’s penultimate MTC Premiership clash at the Sam Nujoma Stadium as a stepping stone to cement their title credentials.
Victory for the Ghosts will move them to the summit of the MTC Premiership log standings on a better goal average above log leaders Tigers on 17 points. The Buccaneers are currently perched in 3rd spot behind African Stars on 14 points with the same number of points as Black Africa but enjoy a superior goal difference.
Pirates will be boosted by the massive support the club normally enjoys at the spacious Sam Nujoma Stadium and are fresh from a comprehensive win over the league’s new boys United Stars, whom they trumped 6-2 in an 8-goal thriller in their last outing.
On the other hand, BA have not been overly convincing since the start of the campaign but matches between these two Katutura giants have never failed to inspire the neutral football follower and tonight’s clash of the titans promises to be a real humdinger.
Skipper Da Costa Angula will have to be at his best to keep the dangerous Pirates twin strike force of Ronaldo Tsowaseb and Stanley Kamesiepo in check. The pair could cause serious damage if left unattended to.
In speedy and tricky winger Awilo Stephanus, the defending champions have in their armoury a player who has the ability to change the entire complexion of the match with one moment of individual brilliance.
In tomorrow’s action, troubled Eleven Arrows greet Tura Magic in a mid- table MTC Premiership confrontation at the Kuisebmond Stadium in Walvis Bay with fellow seasiders LHU Blue Waters travelling north-east for a relegation battle against hosts United Stars at the Rundu Stadium.
Civics are back in action following an enforced brief hiatus as the rejuvenated Civilians welcome basement sitters Rundu Chiefs in the curtain raiser of a double header at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, before Tigers square off against the much improved PC Blue Boys in the main match at 19h00. Unless otherwise stated, all matches start at 16h00 sharp.
Stars extend Rammies losing streak
A goal in each half from Deon Hotto and Elvis ‘Porridge’ Tjivasera propelled Katutura glamour football club African Stars to a deserved 2-0 triumph over struggling Ramblers in their mid-week MTC Premiership encounter at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. The victory saw the Reds leapfrog both Pirates and BA into 2nd spot on the log standings with 16 points.
By Carlos Kambaekwa