WINDHOEK – Two matches in the Bidvest Namibia Cup Last-16 Round including the high profile clash between Katutura giants African Stars and FNB Orlando Pirates slated for the Sam Nujoma Stadium last Friday were called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
Lower division campaigners Kaizen Football Academy was scheduled to face Ramblers in the first of a double header.
Chairperson of the Organizing Committee Roger Kambatuku, said they resolved to call off the matches following a pitch inspection and took a unanimous decision to suspend the matches indefinitely.
“As a responsible institution, the NFA has considered the safety of the players and related issues that come with this kind of rain and have thus decided to call off the two matches,” added the bulky football administrator, son of the late Ben Uanivi, arguably Namibia’s top referee.
Kambatuku said a decision about when the games would take place will be taken at an appropriate time after consultations with all stakeholders. “We have to go back and consult our stakeholders, the clubs, the league, the first divisions, the second divisions and our sponsor to decide on new dates and times.”
He said those who bought tickets for the matches should keep the tickets since they will still be valid for the rescheduled games. Matches scheduled for Saturday at Mariental and Gobabis went ahead as planned without any hiccups. Tropical Heat (NDF – Grootfontein) were eliminated via a narrow margin of 2-1 against Premiership opponents Tura Magic at the Legare Stadium in Gobabis.
United Stars saw off PC Blue Boys by 3 goals to 1 in an all Premiership encounter to book a place in the quarterfinals. Fighting on two fronts, Black Africa easily waltzed past Blue Birds 5-1.
In Mariental, Tigers beat fellow premier league team LHU Blue Waters 2-1, while Mountain Rangers held premier league outfit Rundu Chiefs to a 2-all draw before emerging 4-1 victors on penalties. Citizens FC concluded the day’s proceedings in Mariental with a 5-1 win over hosts Bee Bob Brothers.
By Staff Reporter