By Carlos Kambaekwa
WINDHOEK
Ramblers will be going all out to leapfrog defending champions and current log leaders Civics into first place, albeit for 48 hours when the Pionierspark-based outfit come up against a wounded Orlando Pirates in an MTC Namibia Premiership clash at Windhoek’s Independence stadium in Olympia tonight (19h00).
It will be the two giants’ second clash in less than three weeks after they last clashed in the quarterfinals of the lucrative FNB Knockout Cup where the Tunchel Street Boys triumphed over the star studded Buccaneers, a result which sowed seeds of discontent amongst the hard to please Ghost supporters.
Rammies are unbeaten in the league this season and are anchored 3rd on the NPL log standings after they managed to amass 9 points out of a possible 15, while 5th placed Pirates go into the match from back-to-back losses against African Stars and Civics respectively.
The Ghosts last tasted victory against league rookies Fedics United in both the league and opening round of the FNB Cup before the wheels of fortune came off against a 10-man Ramblers in the quarterfinal of the FNB Cup, where they lost 5-4 in the dreaded penalty shootout after a goalless stalemate.
Ramblers welcome back their Captain Fantastic Michael “Dolam Tower” Pienaar and striker Pineas Jacobs who were both missing in action last weekend because of national commitment, while Pirates will be boosted by the return of stocky midfielder Rudi Gazza Louw and stylish playmaker Patrick Jaegger. The pair was part of the Brave Warriors’ entourage to Tunisia last weekend.
Meanwhile, Pirates have been dealt a major blow after hard as nails defender Richard ‘Ou Rhee” Gariseb returned to honour his contract with Professional Soccer League campaigners BidVest Wits in South Africa following the expiry of his loan deal with his former club.
Fresh from their hard-fought victory over arch rivals SKW in the semifinal of the FNB Cup last weekend, co-coaches Tollie van Wyk and Dove Fransman will be spoiled for choice in terms of team selection as both Dylan Mieze (suspension) and Bernadine Bilizi (injury) are now also eligible to reclaim their places in the starting eleven.
Tonight’s match will be a test of character for the troubled Buccaneers’ ship following a week of internal rumblings between the club’s new management and some disgruntled supporters, who ostensibly sought clarity on the role of the club’s new Managing Director Hennie Dawids, a move which has contributed to the premature departure of coach Shepherd Murape, after barely six games in the hot seat.
Word has it that the Zimbabwean mentor will now be redeployed to the club’s youth development.
Despite the three valuable points at stake, the Tunchel Street boys will be using the match mainly as a yardstick for their upcoming FNB Cup final against Black Africa on the 1st of next month.
Former Black Africa and Brave Warriors’ lanky defender Eric Ouseb could make his much-anticipated debut for the Buccaneers after signing from SKW at the beginning of the season. The much-travelled tall defender has been laid off by illness but has since made a remarkable recovery and is in contention for selection.