Oshakati Independence Stadium will be the centre of attraction over the weekend.

 It is set to host the much-anticipated quarterfinals of the inaugural MTC Maris Cup. 

Four matches are set to take place at the venue.

The Sunday clash between northern-based outfit KK Palace and newly-revamped team Bucks Buccaneers stands out as the weekend’s must-watch encounter.

KK Palace, who gained premier league promotion this season, proved their strength this past weekend. They brushed off log leaders Khomas Nampol with a convincing 3-0 score to book a quarter-final berth.  

Buccaneers, on the other hand, booked their quarter-final ticket after sinking Rundu-based team Julinho Athletics 3-0. Speaking to this publication, prominent coach and Buccaneers’ mentor Woody Jacob acknowledged the challenge of playing away from home in a quarterfinal.

He, however, remained optimistic about his team’s chances. “Playing away in a quarterfinal is always tricky. But, I believe my team has the quality to get through to the semifinals. 

We have one of the strongest squads right now. We expect the boys to rise to the occasion, as the stakes are too high in this competition,” he said. 

Meanwhile, KK Palace head coach Andreas Phiri said his team is ready for the challenge. 

When asked whether playing at home would be an advantage, he downplayed the impact.

He stated that in Namibia, there is little difference between home and away matches.

 It all comes down to performance.

“We did well last week, and that was away from home. This weekend, we will be playing at home, which is an advantage. But I don’t think that gives us a reason to relax on the field. I expect a tricky match against them. We will have to bring our A-game if we intend to progress to the next round of the tournament,” he said.

In other matches on Saturday, Ongos will square off against in-form Young African at 14h00, while Unam will take on coastal outfit Blue Waters. 

The MTC Maris Cup is contested exclusively by the 16 clubs of the Debmarine Premiership. 

With a staggering N$1.5 million prize for the winner, the competition aims to elevate the profile of Namibian football, and incentivise clubs to give their best in pursuit of glory.  

The semifinals are scheduled for 15 and 16 February at the Mariental Sport Stadium. 

The tournament will culminate in the final on 1 March at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek. 

 – mkambukwe@nepc.com.na