WINDHOEK – Those who have the arrogance and temerity to dismiss Katutura glamour football club African Stars as history following their shock 1-0 defeat against traditional rivals FNB Orlando Pirates in their league opening match will be better advised to do so at their own peril.
The wounded Reds return to the same venue, Sam Nujoma Stadium tonight to confront giant killers Tura Magic, in the pick of Round 2 of the MTC Premier League clashes this weekend. The two teams eked out a 1-all draw in the corresponding fixture last term, before the Reds emerged 4-2 victors in the 2nd round. However, it will be a different kettle of fish this time around when Woody Jacobs’ Reds come up against Bertus Bock’s much-improved young brigade, boosted by their away win against league rookies PC Blue Waters last weekend.
Both MTC Premier League yo-yo teams Blue Boys and United Stars will have potentially tough assignments going into Round 2 after both teams suffered defeats in the opening round. United will be coming up against undisputed Namibian champions Black Africa at the Rundu Stadium tomorrow, while the seasiders have a date with fellow stragglers Rundu Chiefs in the first of a double header at the neutral Kuisebmund Stadium in Walvis Bay at 14h00, to be followed by the main match between LHU Blue Waters and traditional rivals Tigers. Still smarting from their 1-0 home defeat against Civics in last weekend’s opening round, coastal outfit Eleven Arrows will have a mammoth task to negotiate their way past Ali Akan’s fired-up Buccaneers at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium, also tomorrow. All matches start at 16h00, unless otherwise stated. In midweek action, Civics on-loan midfielder Quinton Kuruseb’s first half strike against a wasteful Ramblers propelled the Civilians to the summit of the MTC Premier League log standings, at least for 48-hours, until 2nd round action resumes tonight.
By Carlos Kambaekwa