The rounds of 16 and 17 of the Debmarine premiership will be played this weekend at various venues across the country.

Action will commence this evening with a tie between Tigers and Otjiwarongo-based outfit Mighty Gunners at 19h00 at Independence Stadium. The head coach of Tigers, Jeremy Zimmer, said tonight’s match is as crucial as any other match as every team is fighting for survival.

“We must go in prepared, and it is going to be an exciting tie. Gunners are a good team, and we respect them. However, we want maximum points,” he stated.

Tigers are in position seven on the standings with 22 points from 14 matches played this season, two points behind their opponents, Gunners. Meanwhile, Gunners remain fifth on the log with 24 points, an impressive position.

Zimmer said he is confident about the match, as he has his full squad available. “The team is physically ready, and they are mentally prepared. It’s a crucial match; we are aware of how tough it will be playing against them, but my charges have shown that they can do a good job,” he enthused.

On his part, Gerhard Hengari of Gunners said he is aware of what type of opponent they are facing. “We are coming from a good weekend, where we collected maximum points, and we want to keep up the momentum. I know it won’t be an easy one against Tigers after they lost last week, and they will be looking to bounce back. So, we must keep that in mind and approach this match with caution,” he added.

Action will continue on Saturday, with Julinho Athletic hosting third-placed Khomas Nampol at Rundu Sport Stadium, with the tie expected to kick off at 14h00. Next up at the same venue will be a tie between Cuca Tops and Young Brazilians at 17h00.

At Unam Stadium, FC Ongos will host Okahandja United at 14h00, while Unam will take on African Stars at 17h00. Meanwhile, at Independence Stadium in the capital, Bucs Buccaneers will face off against Young African, who are fourth on the standings, at 16h00.

At Oshakati Independence Stadium, KK Palace will welcome coastal outfit Blue Boys at 14h00, before Chula Chula will square off against Blue Waters at 17h00.

On Sunday at Rundu Sport Stadium, Cuca Tops will play against Khomas Nampol in a match slated for 13h00, followed by a tie between Julinho Athletic and Young Brazilian at 16h00.

Meanwhile, at Oshakati Independence Stadium, Chula Chula will square off against Blue Boys at 13h00, while KK Palace will take on Blue Waters at 16h00 in another exciting tie at the venue.

At Unam Stadium at 13h00, FC Ongos will take on Mighty Gunners, while Unam will square off against Young African at 16h00. -mkambukwe@nepc.com.na