WINDHOEK – The race for the coveted MTC Premiership title has now taken shape and is heading towards the home straight following the completion of first round activities last weekend.
Defending champions Black Africa ended their first round assignment on a high note when they saw off Tura Magic to leapfrog log leaders Tigers into first place – though that luxury only proved to be a nine-day phenomenon as the Shandumbala Boys responded in great fashion by returning to the summit – hours later. The Gemengde-based outfit will now turn their attention to their approaching first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League against South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in Johannesburg this coming Saturday.
Both BA and Chiefs ended their league assignments with morale boosting 2-0 wins against mid-table opponents in their respective leagues and will go into Saturday’s mouth-watering clash in high spirits. Chiefs saw off Moroka Swallows to consolidate their position at the top of the PSL log standings. A goal from either side of play by midfielders Bryan Bantam and Marko van Wyk steered BA to a well deserved 2-0 over an out of sorts Tura Magic at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday evening. Elsewhere, Tigers reclaimed first spot after toppling BA a day earlier, but Bobby Samaria’s soldiers recorded a hard fought 2-1 triumph away to bottom club Rundu Chiefs. Stylish striker Benson Shilongo, opened the score for the visitors before versatile Zimbabwean attacking midfielder Protash Kabwe, netted what turned out to be the winner – his sixth goal in the current campaign. Ramblers eased their relegation worries with a comprehensive 3-1 win against league rookies United Stars in the second of a double header in Rundu on Saturday.
A goal apiece from Boma Nailonga, Donovan Swarts and Ivan Bloom did the trick for the visiting Tunschell Street Boys. Nigerian import Aneelechi Dominique Edom netted a brace for LHU Blue Waters to dispatch Eleven Arrows 2-0 in a tense coastal derby in Walvis Bay. African Stars kept their title hopes alive with a narrow 2-1 win over a stubborn PC Blue Boys in Swakopmund, with free scoring midfield-cum-striker Riaan Cloete and Cameroonian holding midfielder Edy Bertrand Mangoumou getting their names on the score-sheet for the visitors. Erwin Afrikaner and Maxwell Plaatjies each netted a goal on either side of play in Civics’ spirited 2-0 win over FNB Orlando Pirates at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday.
By Carlos Kambaekwa