Windhoek
With a mere two points separating them, reigning MTC Namibia Premiership champions African Stars know very well they cannot afford to slip up when they clash with rivals Tigers in tonight’s crucial match at the Independence Stadium.
Stars are currently stationed in 2nd place, equal on 16 points with log leaders Black Africa, while Tigers are within touching distance of the two leaders in 3rd place with 14 points. A possible win over Stars tonight could see them take second place.
Judging from last weekend’s performance, Stars appear to have been enjoying a smooth ride, having won both their matches against Tura Magic and Unam, while Tigers only managed a victory against Tura Magic and a draw against Unam.
But tonight’s match will be a different kettle of fish, with Stars expected to go out full force to maintain their near perfect run since the beginning of the current term. They also have their “champions” tag to protect, while Tigers on the other hand are under no certain pressure to risk it all, but are equally determined to endorse their credentials as serious title contenders this season.
Eleven Arrows vs Blue Waters in coastal derby
At the Kuisebmund Stadium in Walvis Bay, coastal giants Eleven Arrows and Blue Waters will lock horns in the much-hyped coastal derby, which will go a long way in redefining the two teams’ league title prospects.
Arrows in 4th place drew both last weekend’s matches, while Blue Waters, currently in 5th place, recorded a victory against Rundu Chiefs and played to a stalemate against league newcomers Young Chiefs. They are currently level on 9 points each. Speaking to popular football website Thrupass.com, Eleven Arrows coach, Lucky Shipanga, had this to say: “I am going to apply attacking football and that is the only way to showcase the value of a derby. Equally, my hardworking and skilful players will also showcase what they are made off against Blue Waters tomorrow,” he said.
Meanwhile, Blue Waters’ manager, Tostao Imbili, said the focus would be to get the maximum points to retain the bragging rights at the coast, before calling on all fans of both teams to flock to the stadium in numbers to witness top-class football.