Debmarine Namibia Premiership table toppers African Stars head coach Mervin Mbakera admitted that Black Africa’s discipline and solid tactical game plan was the main deciding factor in Saturday’s Katutura derby between the two traditional rivals at the Unam stadium in the capital.
The thrilling derby, which was live streamed on all African Stars social media platforms and also saw a great number of supporters thronging the Unam stadium to support their respective sides, ended in a goalless but highly entertaining draw.
Stars enjoyed the upper hand in most facets of the match, as they created more opportunities from the sides and also from the middle of the field, but Black Africa were rock solid on cutting off the opponents’ short balls and were equally quick in recovery.
In all honesty, on paper Stars were always going to have the upper hand when compared to coach Brian Isaacs’ Black Africa side, which is largely marshalled by young and somewhat inexperienced players.
But on Saturday, the difference between the two sides was Black Africa’s outstanding discipline and their impenetrable tactical game plan, which made it very difficult for Stars’ frontline to connect its trademark deadly short passes and closing in from the wings.
In a post-match interview with the media after Saturday’s stalemate, coach Mbakera hailed his charges for putting up a great fight and creating chances against a very well organised opponent, saying they could have won the match had they just taken their chances in front of goal.
“But sometimes this is how football goes; you have to learn how to accept one of the three outcomes of football – a win, draw and a defeat. Today, the boys really fought and tried their best to create even more chances but we were just not clinical enough with the ball. One must admit that Black Africa came with a good game plan and their players were also very disciplined, as they made sure our balls were always cut short and also gave us problems on the wings,” said Mbakera.
“But as I said, I’m happy with the overall performance of my boys, so we will take the one point and move on. The league is a marathon and we still have another match against Young African on Sunday (late yesterday), so we will see how that will go. Our objective remains the same and that is to work towards winning the league title and compete in Africa with the best. We will remain focused and continue to reach for our goals as a team.”
Saturday’s outcome boosted Black Africa’s quest to move further out of the relegation zone and hopefully towards the middle of the table, while the draw saw Stars move further up the log summit to 42 points.
Meanwhile, at the Khomasdal stadium in the capital; Orlando Pirates played to a 3-all draw against struggling Citizens, while Unam FC secured a 2-0 away win at the Mokati stadium in Otjiwarongo against hometown boys Life Fighters.
-ohembapu@nepc.com.na
Full Weekend Results
Friday, 4 March
Civics 1-2 Tigers
Saturday, 4 March
African Stars 0-0 Black Africa
Young Brazilians 0-1 Young African
Life Fighters 0-2 UNAM
Julinho Sporting 2-4 Tura Magic
Eleven Arrows 0-2 Mighty Gunners
Blue Waters 4-0 Okahandja United
Orlando Pirates 3-3 Citizens