Oryza Zativa chairman Ben Uerikua is not fazed by the challenge that Young Brazilians pose in their upcoming last-eight clash of the PstBet NFA Cup.
Zativa is the only team from the lower division still in contention for the big prize. They progressed to the last eight after defeating the recently-relegated Life Fighters with a 1-0 scoreline. Their next assignment seems tough, as they aim to reach the semi-finals. However, the chairman remains confident in his club, asserting that they have what it takes to eliminate the southern-based outfit.
“We are more confident playing Young Brazilians in the quarterfinals of the tournament than we would have been if drawn against a team like African Stars. With all due respect to Young Brazilians, their place in the league says a lot about them, and what we are about to take on,” said Uerikua. “We know we will go into this tie as underdogs, but I am confident that we will give them a good run for their money. The pressure is on them as they are a premier league team, and they will be hoping to advance to the semi-finals of the competition,” he added.
In other fixtures, African Stars will face Tigers, while Mighty Gunners will square off against Chula Chula. Khomas NamPol will then tackle Okahandja United.
In the female division, Beauties will take on Unam Bokkies, while Okahandja FC will face NUST Babes. Ongos Ladies will compete against Ramblers Women, and Khomas NamPol will go up against Arrows Ladies.
Meanwhile, reacting to the draw, Fortune Eichab Fortune of NamPol said he expected his team to be drawn against a different team but will take it as it comes. “We expected to be drawn against a team from Zambezi, but we were handed an in-form Okahandja United,” said Eichab.
“I know it’s a tough one, but we must accept it, and face them like any other team. They say if you want to become a champion, you must play against the best, and that is what Okahandja have demonstrated in the last couple of matches. They are dangerous in front of goal, and it’s up to us to remain cautious with our defending. Overall, I expect a very entertaining match,” he concluded.
-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na