WINDHOEK – MTC Premiership champions Black Africa’s woes upfront will be the first thing that newly appointed LHU Blue Waters coach Paulus “Wire” Shipanga will definitely exploit when the resurgent Birds meet the Namibian champions in the pick of the round 14 matches this weekend.
Still basking in glory following their near faultless display in their last league outing that saw them beat traditional rivals and log leaders Tigers hands down on their own turf – the seasiders are oozing confidence ahead of their clash against the visiting joint log leaders in the second of a double header at the Kuisebmond Stadium in Walvis Bay tomorrow.
Perched in a precarious 7th position on the log standings with a paltry 15 points from a possible 39, Blue Waters’ position can be easily described as deceiving as it does not reflect the club’s genuine strength and credentials as can be attested by comprehensive wins over title-chasing African Stars and Tigers.
Both clubs recorded wins in their last league outings with BA getting the better of the exchanges against league rookies United Stars in a see-saw affair, while the Birds surprised all and sundry by dispatching old foes Tigers in convincing fashion.
However, the rejuvenated coastal outfit will face their sternest test of character when they come up against the undisputed Namibian champions. Brian Isaacs’ misfiring charges have been there and seen it all and possess all the required ingredients of a championship winning team. One good advantage about BA is their ability to win matches while not playing to their full potential, a crucial aspect that other title contenders lack big time.
Cruising on the back of an unbeaten run of good results in their last four league outings, Ramblers should fancy their chances against struggling Eleven Arrows in tomorrow’s curtain raiser at the Kuisebmond Stadium at 13h00. In tomorrow’s other action, wounded African Stars play hosts to basement dwellers Rundu Chiefs at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 16h00.
Action gets underway tonight at the Sam Nujoma Stadium with a mouth-watering clash between Civics and Tigers at 20h00, with Ingweinyama looking to bounce back after last weekend’s shock defeat at the hands of lowly placed Blue Waters.
The much-improved Donkerhoek outfit will also have to readjust to life without acrobatic shot-stopper Lloydt Kazapua’s reliable pair of hands, after the lanky goalie suffered a broken tibia in training last week and could be out of action for six months.
United Stars welcome fellow league rookies PC Blue Boys in a relegation dogfight at the Rundu Stadium on Sunday at 11h00. In midweek action, FNB Orlando Pirates and Tura Magic cancelled each other out in a dull goalless stalemate at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
By Carlos Kambaekwa