WINDHOEK – Ramblers caretaker mentor, Jorge Da Purificacao, has quelled any suggestions that the Tunschel Street Boys could face the drop at the end of the current season, following a sluggish start to their league campaign this term.
After a slow start that saw the Pionierspark outfit flirting dangerously with relegation – Ramblers management acted swiftly and quietly ushered coach Jerry Zimmer through the exit door.
The football crazy Da Purificacao, a former winger with Rammies took over the coaching reigns in the capacity of head coach and his presence immediately paid dividends as the club has gone four games without defeat and recording four straight wins in league outings, including the Bidvest Cup.
Ramblers easily saw off LHU Blue Waters 2-0 in their league match away from home, but the Tunschell Street Boys will meet their sternest test when they come up against traditional rivals Civics at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tonight at 20h00. The Civilians have proven to be Rammies’ hoodoo team and although Ramblers did manage to turn the tables last season recording a double over the Civilians, Christy Guruseb’s charges got the better of their cross-town rivals with a 1-0 triumph in the opening round. Rammies will be out to avenge that defeat when the two in-form teams trot onto the field tonight after a weeklong enforced hiatus, which came about as a result of the team’s participation in the Namibia Bidvest Cup knockout competition. Rammies will be without the services of inspirational captain Amy Shavihemba, who starts his one match suspension after the hard tackling defensive midfielder accumulated four bookings. However, Da Purificacao is untroubled and believes he has a squad good enough to chalk up a decent result. “Look, we are coming off the back of morale boosting wins from our last three league outings against formidable opponents, notably the two away wins to United Stars and Blue Waters. The boys are in high spirits, because matches between these two teams never fail to ignite the fans, so we expect a great performance from both sets of players but we are confident of getting a positive result to ease any relegation worries.”
By Carlos Kambaekwa