By Carlos Kambaekwa
WINDHOEK – Marooned in unfamiliar territory at 8th position on the MTC Premiership league table a massive 12 points adrift of runaway log leaders African Stars – FNB Orlando Pirates will have a mammoth task when they take the short trip to the Sam Nujoma Stadium to confront Woody Jacobs’ red hot Stars on Friday night.
Inconsistency has been the Achilles’ heel for the unpredictable Buccaneers and the visitors will have to be at their very best if they are to repeat their 2-0 win against Stars in the opening round of the NPL when the two Katutura giants clash for the second time.
With four times champions Black Africa battling to get out of first gear lying 10 points off the pace of early pace-setters Stars, Jacobs’ charges look a sure bet to wrestle the coveted title away from their nemesis.
Going into the 2nd round of the bloated 16-team NPL, Stars comfortably sit at the summit with 35 points, 10 ahead of joint 2nd placed Tigers, LHU Blue Waters and Black Africa and will be out to avenge their first round defeat at the hands of the unpredictable Buccaneers.
Pirates are determined to arrest their mini slump that saw the Katutura giants dropping down the table after suffering four back-to-back defeats against lesser opponents in league action.
The rivalry between Stars and Pirates date back to the 70’s and clashes between these two giants have never failed to ignite the fans, and another humdinger is expected on Friday.
Both teams are fresh from victories in the lucrative Bidvest knockout cup and though the Ghosts were stretched to the limit by Civics in one of three all-Premiership clashes last weekend, Pirates looked to have rediscovered their magic and could inflict another setback on their ambitious opponents.