WINDHOEK – After failing to retain the Namibia Premier League (NPL) League Cup trophy without putting up a credible fight, all eyes will be on African Stars mentor Woody Jacobs when the Katutura giants confront archrivals FNB Orlando Pirates in the much anticipated Katutura derby, which also doubles up as the 2013/2014 MTC Premier League season opener, at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tonight at 20h00.

Jacobs will be out to avenge their League Cup woes on Pirates and hope to kick start his premier league campaign on a high note, but it will not be an easy assignment, since a victory for Jacobs is the only remedy that can console their often strident and hard-to-please supporters. But Stars stand a good chance of walking away as the victors, because in the legs and brains of the veteran Razundara Tjikuzu, Riaan Cloete, Lovers Kamuhanga, Johannes ‘Boetitjie’ Seibeb, Deon Hotto and goal-poacher Gazza Kazeurua amongst others, Jacobs has potential match-winners and players that can dictate the direction of a match at will.

Pirates, who are determined and still very much rejuvenated by their recent League Cup performance that saw them stumble in the final, will definitely be looking to demonstrate to their success-starved fans that they are still a force to be reckoned with and serious title contenders this season. Needless to say, the boys from Dolam have a lot resting on their shoulders and can be expected to throw everything in the way of the Reds to prove a point or two and to start their league campaign an octave higher.

 

Other weekend fixtures are as follows –

Saturday

Black Africa vs Rundu Chiefs – Sam Nujoma Stadium at 18h00

Eleven Arrows vs Civics – Kuisebmund Stadium at 16h00

United Stars vs Tigers – Rundu Sports Stadium at 16h00

Ramblers vs LHU Blue Waters – Sam Nujoma Stadium at 16h00

PC Blue Boys vs Tura Magic – Mondesa Stadium at 16h00

By Otniel Hembapu