…Katutura derby like old times
WINDHOEK – FNB Orlando Pirates coach Ali ‘Mr Fix It’ Akan says he is not worried about the 5-point gap between his title chasing Buccaneers and Namibian champions Black Africa, since the Ghosts still have a 7-minute plus game in hand over their title rivals.
The outspoken mentor made it crystal clear that it’s not over until the fat lady sings, and that fat lady is his fired up youthful brigade. The Ghosts are determined to topple their traditional rivals from the pedestal when the two Katutura giants confront each other in a crucial MTC Premiership showdown at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday evening at 19h00.
Pirates are cruising on a four match unbeaten streak, while Brian Isaacs’ charges returned to winning ways following a slight slump in form, which culminated in their early exit from quarterfinals of the lucrative Bidvest Cup at the hands of league minnows Tura Magic. “There are still 12 points to play for and if you look at the log standings the margin between us and the top team is certainly bridgeable,” said Akan. BA returned to winning ways with an incredible 3-0 trashing of fellow title contenders Tigers in last weekend’s action. “There is along way to go until the final ball is kicked, remember the league is a marathon and we are slowly gaining momentum. Like I said before, we don’t have a big pool of playing personnel to fall back on when injuries or loss of form occurs, but we have quality in the squad and were able to manufacture positive results of late.”
By Carlos Kambaekwa