By Carlos Kambaekwa and John Muyamba
WINDHOEK/ RUNDU – Striker Charley Ngwezi Alfeus, became an instant hero of unfashionable Rundu outfit, United Stars, when he netted the only goal of the match as United brought FNB Orlando Pirates’ fairytale run in the MTC Premiership to an abrupt end.
Fresh from their astonishing 1-0 triumph against title chasing African Stars in their last match, Pirates travelled to Rundu in high spirits and were clear favourites to claim the three maximum points at stake, but were stunned by the determined league strugglers.
It proved to be an excellent day for Rundu as both home teams in action on Saturday walked away with comprehensive wins over their much-fancied opponents.
League rookies Julinho Sporting surprised friend and foe by defeating Mighty Gunners netting four unanswered goals against the men in camouflaged uniforms in the curtain raiser at the Rundu Stadium.
Matchayi Hamunyera netted the opening goal for the hosts to give the home side a one-goal cushion going in the halftime break.
Second half strikes by Jonas Gaeseb, substitute Eric Ochieng and skipper Toto Michelle’s well-taken goal deep in the referee’s optional time did the trick for the rampaging home side.
In other action, African Stars returned to winning ways when the wounded Reds saw off traditional rivals Tigers1-0 in a live televised match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. Gangling makeshift striker, Elvis “Porridge” Tjivasera netted the only goal of the match.
Bottom teams Benfica and Touch & Go continued to find the going tough in the demanding and tough rigours of topflight football. Both teams suffered defeats for the umpteenth time on home soil as they went down to coastal visitors LHU Blue Waters and Eleven Arrows respectively.
The Birds easily waltzed past Benfica 2-0 at their former player’s fortress, the Oscar Norich Stadium in Tsumeb, while Arrows were made to work hard for their 3-2 narrow win over Touch & Go, 60-kilometer away in Otavi.
Elsewhere, Tura Magic defeated Rebels 4-3 in an exciting 7-goal thriller in the first of a double header at the Sam Nujoma stadium on Saturday. Civics conceded a last minute penalty to share the spoils in a 1-all stalemate against old foes Unam (formerly Ramblers) at the same venue on Friday evening.