Windhoek
This year’s race for the coveted MTC Premiership title promises to be an intriguing affair, with defending champions African Stars having already dropped valuable points against league minnows Rundu Chiefs, while rejuvenated Tigers have also been held up in their tracks.
Four times league champions Black Africa have shot to the summit of the 16-team MTC Premier League after round four.
It might be a bit too early to write off Tigers but a league is like running a marathon and given their under-strength bench, it could turn out to be the same old story of the title race being a two-horse race between reigning champions African Stars and eternal rivals Black Africa.
Stars stumbled against potential relegation candidates Rundu Chiefs, while Tigers also donated points to another football lightweight in the shape of Young Chiefs – a result that could come back to haunt them big time come end of the season.
The Reds could not have hoped for a better platform to redeem themselves when they host giant killers Tura Magic at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium on Thursday evening.
Having elbowed both Tigers and FNB Orlando Pirates out of the traditional top-four bracket, the Magicians are raring to go one step better this season as they chase their first league title in topflight football.
However, that feat can only be achieved at the expense of heavyweights Stars and Black Africa.
In youngsters Joslin Kamatuka, Obrey Amseb and veteran striker Asprilla Wermann, the Reds possess one of the most lethal strike forces in the business, but could find it very difficult to come to grips with the equally impressive cool-as-cucumber Magicians’ centre back Tebs Lombard.
The tallish young defender is maturing like good old wine and could be the club’s saviour in their quest and aspirations to wrest the much sought-after title away from the Reds.