… Next hurdle the Civilians
WINDHOEK – Namibian champions Black Africa look set to rewrite football history to an era of unprecedented dominance in domestic topflight football when they confront cross-town rivals Civics in a mouth-watering MTC Premiership clash at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tonight at 20h00.
With their fellow title contenders blowing hot and cold, Brian Isaacs’ charges are a certain bet to retain the coveted league title they won back to back the last three seasons.
The Gemengde-based outfit go into tonight’s match knowing very well that victory will put them firmly in the driving seat after closest title rivals African Stars and Orlando Pirates stumbled in last weekend’s action against lesser opponents.
Although it’s premature to start making predictions, football pundits believe the chase for the coveted league title is now a 2-horse race between the reigning Namibian champions and team of the moment, Tigers.
It all boils down to consistency and while BA have been struggling to chalk up convincing wins in the current term, they managed to fashion out wins albeit with marginal scores.
Tigers have been up there since the start of the current term and only a fool will bet against Ingweinyama as they seek to claim their first league title since 1985 during the inaugural season of the eight-team breakaway Namibia National Soccer League (NNSL).
BA will be cautious against the equally dangerous Civilians who have proven to be their hoodoo team if past results between the two teams are anything to go by. The Civilians will be boosted by last weekend’s international friendly win against Deportivo da Huila in Lubango, Angola – aided by their 1-all draw against BA in the 1st round.
“From now on there will be no margin for error because we have to collect maximum points if we are to retain the title. We expect a very tough match against Civics as usual but our ultimate aim is to win the tie, going into our next match away to Eleven Arrows on Saturday,” said Isaacs.
BA will be without defender Merwyn Katire (suspended) while injury concerns hang over the availability of first choice goalkeeper Arnold Subeb, auxiliary defender Ndjemba Mundjanima and the midfield pair of Marko van Wyk and Tara Katupose.
The Namibian champions are perched in 2nd position on the MTC Premiership log standings with 28 points, three off the summit but have two matches in hand over title rivals Tigers.
By Carlos Kambaekwa