Stars take on resurging Arrows

Log leaders African Stars are in a great position to extend their lead at the top of the MTC Namibia Premier League, but they face a tough match when they take on a resurgent Eleven Arrows at the Kuisebmond Stadium on Saturday.

After Stars’ closest rivals, Orlando Pirates, dropped two points in a 1-all draw against Ramblers on Wednesday night, Stars are now two points clear at the top with a game in hand. If they manage to beat Arrows they will move five points clear and will be well set to retain the Premier League title.

Arrows will however be a tough nut to crack on their home ground, especially after their recent change in fortunes.

They were unlucky to go down 1-0 to Pirates, after an own goal by Freedom Puriza, on January 24, but they finally reached their true potential when they thumped Civics 3-0 the next weekend.

With former Brave Warriors midfield maestro Congo Hindjou now in charge, one can expect more scintillating play from the coastal side.

Stars, however, were in great form when they beat Tigers 2-0 on January 29, with Ninja Karongee capping a fine display with a goal. With Rudi Louw and Ronald Ketjijere also excelling in midfield, and the young Ikuaterua Tjozongoro adding tremendous pace in attack, Stars are riding high and will be the team to beat.

Pirates held by Ramblers

Pirates wasted a great opportunity to close the gap on Stars when they were held to a 1-all draw by Ramblers on Wednesday night. The youthful Ramblers team have been revitalised since Ali Akan took over as head coach, and with a bit of luck, could even have won the match.

Junior Gebhardt put Ramblers ahead on 69m when he stabbed in a rebound, but Sem Iipinge equalised for Pirates seven minutes later.

Another shot by Gebhardt just before halftime hit the upright, while a lob by Eusebio Fredericks midway through the second half was headed off the line by Pirates defender George Tsamaseb.

On Friday night Black Africa take on Hotspurs at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in a match that they should win, although their recent form has been worrying.

Last weekend they did not look convincing as they were held to a 2-all draw at home by United Stars, while Hotspurs displayed a great fighting spirit to beat Blue Waters 3-1 after trailing 1-0 at a stage.

Civics, too will face a tough encounter away to Oshakati City at the Uukwangula Stadium in Embandu on Saturday. The fight to avoid relegation has intensified, and second last Oshakati City did well to hold Pirates to a goalless draw in Windhoek last weekend.

SKW will be hoping to get back to winning ways after suffering a 3-0 home defeat to Ramblers on January 27. They were completely outplayed on that occasion but will once again face a tough task on Saturday when they take on Blue Waters at the SKW Stadium. Blue Waters coach Lucky Shipanga will be smarting after their defeat to Hotspurs last weekend and a strong onslaught can be expected from them.

On Saturday evening Tigers will be determined to get back to winning ways when they host United Stars at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. Their title credentials took a blow when they were thoroughly outplayed by African Stars last Friday, but they should not underestimate the Rundu-based Stars, who are close to the relegation zone and fighting for survival.

Source: www.namibiasport.com.na