By Kuvee Kangueehi Windhoek The Mobile Telecommunication Limited (MTC) Namibia Football Association (NFA) Cup is really living up to its billing as being the most exciting cup competition in the country after the second round draw produced some potential mouth-watering encounters. Defending Champions Civics FC, who had a tricky match against Chief Santos last weekend, has been drawn against Kinaco Minolta Eleven Arrows while African Stars will face their most daunting task so far in this competition when they play Oshakati City. Oshakati City is probably playing its best football and are arguably the team of the moment, and Stars will be required to be in top form to beat City. The team from the north is also enjoying the psychological advantage after they beat the Samba Boys 1-0 in Oshakati a fortnight ago in a premier league match. However, African Stars has been doing well in cup competitions and appeared at two major cup finals in the last twelve months. City will be boosted by good performances in the league as they comfortably occupy the third position on the log. They managed to beat Stars, Blue Waters, Orlando Pirates and Eleven Arrows, and another victory over Stars is very much on the cards. While the Stars versus Oshakati City game will definitely be the highlight at Otjiwarongo, the match between KM Eleven Arrows against Civics on Saturday tops the bill at Keetmanshoop. Although Civics are clear favourites, given the current form and talent at their disposal, Arrows have the players that can single-handedly win a match. Arrows and Brave Warriors striker Rudolf Bester on his day can cause havoc and disaster for the opposite team, and Civics have to be wary of this threat if they are to make it to the next round. All the other Premier League sides still left in the competition will be facing lower-division teams, but it will be far from a formality. If the premier league sides are not on guard, they could face a shocking exit early in the competition. The entire competition is being played on a knockout basis. Last weekend, 32 teams participated, and 16 made it to the second round. On Sunday, only eight teams will progress to the quarter-finals where huge financial rewards are at stake. In addition to the prize money for the winning team, players will be awarded prize money and trophies for individual skills. For instance, the top goal-scorer and the player of the series will receive N$2ÃÆ’Æ‘ÀÃ…ÃÆ”šÃ‚ 000 while the referee of the series will get N$1ÃÆ’Æ‘ÀÃ…ÃÆ”šÃ‚ 500. Here is the full draw: Keetmanshoop Orlando Pirates vs. Tough Guys WO Ramblers vs. Invincible KM Eleven Arrows vs. Civics FC All matches will take place at J. Stephanus Stadium. Otjiwarongo Mighty Gunners vs. Volcano Rundu Chiefs vs. Eleven Brothers Black Africa vs. Major Power Cymot SKW vs. Blue Boys African Stars vs. Fysal Oshakati City All matches will take place at the Mokati Stadium.
2007-02-272024-04-23By Staff Reporter