By Kuvee Kangueehi WINDHOEK Keetmans-hoop soccer pundits and followers are in for a treat this Sunday as an exciting MTC trump-card tie featuring FNB finalists African Stars and a rejuvenated WO Ramblers heads into their town. Although Civics are the talk of the nation after their gallant performance in the Champions League last week, it is Ramblers’ pre-miership sterling performance that has been luring fans to the stadiums this season. No wonder their second position slot on the log. However, Ramblers’ testimony in the league faces damage as African Stars have risen to become businessmen in money games, arguably taking over the mantle from Black Africa. Although they find themselves in a familiar seventh place on the league standings, Stars are no walkovers in cup games this time around having already proven their mettle in the FNB cup. The match will start at 15h00. Another exciting clash is expected between Blue Waters and Black Africa also in Keetmanshoop on Saturday. Blue Waters have pinned their hopes on midfielder Johannes Auala for his well-calculated passes while goal-poacher Meraai Swartbooi could be a thorn in the flesh of Black Africa’s defenders. The fading Cup Kings will rely on the solid defence of Hartman Toromba and Garry Keister while goalkeeper Efraim Tjihonge’s reflexes would be vital. It will be a tricky hunting weekend for Ronnie Kanalelo who will be facing his former paymasters Blue Waters, although this time on the bench. Veteran midfielder, Lolo Goraseb and fast-pace teammate Tjono Jagger could play an instrumental role towards a Black Africa victory but Shepherd Murape’s men have shown that they don’t need their home ground alone to win cup matches. The FNB champions are still as ruthless as they were a few months ago when they pocketed the FNB prize money. On the other side of the country, high-riding Civics will be putting their championship hopes aside for the second weekend in succession as they face a relatively easier assignment, Golden Bees in Otjiwarongo. The marauding Civilians will argue that they needed stiffer opposition before their trip to Luanda. The match starts at 17h00. Following is the schedule: Keetmanshoop Saturday Touch & Go vs Fysal Oshakati City 15h00 Blue Waters vs Black Africa 17h00 Sunday Cymot SKW vs United Africa Tigers 12h00 Windhoek Optics Ramblers vs African Stars 15h00 Otjiwarongo Saturday Kinolca Minolta Eleven Arrows vs Arsenal 15h00 Orlando Pirates vs Deportivo Alaves 17h00 Sunday Golden Bees vs Buschschule Civics 12h00 United Stars vs Marathon Sugar Chiefs Santos 14h00 – Additional reporting Nampa
2006-02-272024-04-23By Staff Reporter