… BA, Tura Magic in pick of the draw
WINDHOEK – It’s down again to serious business in the Bidvest Namibia Cup as teams head into the quarterfinals of the country’s biggest football spectacle.
With matches scheduled for the weekend of April 4-6 at yet-to-be confirmed venues, the pick of the draw will see Black Africa taking on an in-form Tura Magic outfit, in a clash that could go a long way in defining Black Africa’s ambitions of making their mark in the FA Cup. BA is determined to move a step further when action resumes, as the Katutura giants last won the FA Cup back in 2004 and all eyes will be fixed firmly on coach Brian Isaacs, who is faced with the herculean task of successfully defending the MTC Premiership title while he also has to gun for the Bidvest Cup, if they are to close off their season with a cup double.
On paper, Isaacs has the better chances because with the likes of Awillo Stephanus, Brian Bantam, Marco van Wyk, Emilio Martin, the highly experienced Da Costa Angula and lethal goal-poacher Roger Katjiteo, BA has quality, players with international exposure and players who can decide the fate of a match in the blink of an eye.
Not to be outdone, league rookies Tura Magic are the 2014 reigning champions of the NPL Cup and they too have a reputation at stake and will be determined to maintain it at all costs.
Magic have in recent outings recorded impressive results and will be eager to prove why they are serious title contenders. In other action, Bidvest Cup reigning champions African Stars have been handed a perfect chance to pull one or two surprises when they confront Mountain Rangers in what promises to be an exciting clash, while in an all-premiership affair Tigers entertain United Stars in what is also expected to be a thrilling encounter. Meanwhile, Kaizen Football Academy will battle it out against Citizens FC.
By Otniel Hembapu