Civics eye Pirates’ scalp

The seventh round of the MTC Premiership kicks off tonight with a battle between Orlando Pirates and Civics at the Independence Stadium, starting at 20:00. Pirates, who are known as the Buccaneers, are hoping to continue their winning momentum after claiming their first victory in the league against Flamingos (3-0) at the Sam Nujoma Stadium last Sunday. The Buccaneers have had a slow start to the season as they have drawn 0-0 with Tura Magic, lost 3-2 to Unam before obtaining two draws against with Mighty Gunners (2-2) and Citizens (1-1) respectively. The team then lost the Katutura derby 1-0 to Black Africa last Saturday. But following their win on Sunday, Pirates are now sitting at the seventh spot with six points in the bag. This is a tally they share with Tura Magic, Mighty Gunners, Young Chiefs and Civics, whom the Buccaneers will face tonight. Civics, for their part, are coming off a 2-0 loss to Black Africa and will look to return to winning ways. Pirates’ assistant coach Ivan Namaseb yesterday said that victory last week has put the Katutura side back in the groove. “That was our motivation that we are back on track to do better this season,” said Namaseb, who is a former Pirates player. He went on to say that the team has had to deal with a low fitness level but that is something they have now worked on. “We also sat with the players and motivated them on how to play as a team and what we expect from the players,” said Namaseb. Civics mentor Christy Guruseb, meanwhile, has promised a competitive game this evening even though his side boasts a lot of young players. “It takes a long time for these new players to adapt in the team but I will be expecting good result from them,” said Guruseb. Pirates have a slight edge when it comes to recent matches between the sides, with the Buccaneers winning 2-1 in the first leg of last season before drawing the second game 1-1 against the Mighty Civilians. Tonight’s match will be the first of the latest round of action in the MTC Premiership with matches continuing on Friday. NPL fixtures Wednesday, September 30 Independence Stadium 20:00 Civics v Orlando Pirates Friday, October 2 Independence Stadium 20:00 Tigers v African Stars Saturday, October 3 Rehoboth Stadium 15:00 Flamingos v Black Africa Uukwangula Stadium 15:00 Young Chiefs v Rundu Chiefs Rundu Sport Stadium 15:00 Julinho Sporting v United Stars Unam Stadium 15:00 Unam v Tura Magic Sam Nujoma Stadium 15:00 Citizens v Mighty Gunners Kuisebmond Stadium 15:00 Eleven Arrows v Blue Waters LUKAS NAMBALA