WINDHOEK – It’s almost signed, sealed and delivered and only the dotting of the i’s crossing of the t’s remains before Black Africa are crowned the undisputed Namibian champions for a record consecutive 4th MTC Premiership title.
For the umpteenth time, BA came out tops in the much anticipated clash of the titans against FNB Orlando Pirates – dispatching their traditional rivals by two unanswered goals at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday evening.
Having manufactured convincing back-to-back victories over title rivals Tigers and FNB Orlando Pirates in their last two league outings – only a fool will bet against Brian Isaacs’ fired-up brigade claiming their 4th successive league title.
After a see-saw affair in the opening minutes of what was billed as a potential league title decider, the Gemengde outfit gradually seized momentum from the marauding Ghosts and took the lead through pocket-size striker and African Stars reject Muna Katupose in the first half.
Signed at the beginning of the current term from title rivals Tigers, fullback Ananias Gebhardt put the result to bed with a cracking left footer in the 2nd half to give the defending champions a well deserved 2-0 victory.
BA are sitting on 42 points and need to at least collect six points from a possible nine in their remaining matches against Africans Stars, PC Blue Boys and Tura Magic to claim the title.
Elsewhere, Tigers’ title aspirations suffered a dent after being held to a 2-2 stalemate by the league’s new boys Blue Boys at the Vineta Stadium in Swakopmund on Saturday.
Rundu Chiefs look certain to return to familiar territory following their 1-0 defeat at the hands of visiting Civics, with Cheslyn Stanley scoring the only goal of the match.
Wire Shipanga’s rejuvenated LHU Blue Waters bamboozled Bidvest Cup semifinalists United Stars 5-1 in their own backyard. Speedy striker Ballack Somaeb opened the floodgates for the visitors and completed his brace in the 2nd half before being stretchered off through injury. Further goals by Johannes Nambuli, Henrico Hoebeb and Dominique Edom did the trick for the Birds while Phillemon Nambhele pulled a consolation goal back for United.
Coastal giants Eleven Arrows are staring at the indignity of campaigning in the lower division for the 2nd time since the inception of the National Premier League in 1990.
The seasiders failed to negotiate their way off the bottom in the wake of a 2-0 loss against Tura Magic.
Papi Kavezembi and Junias Theofelus each netted a goal that gifted the giant killers a morale booster ahead of their semifinal clash in the Bidvest Cup against African Stars.
By Carlos Kambaekwa