Clash of the Tura giants

The top two teams in the MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) are set to clash at the Independence Stadium at 19:00 on Saturday, with a place atop the standings at stake. Black Africa, who have won the NPL for four consecutive seasons, are back on top but African Stars will be hoping to stop what seems to be a runaway train. ‘Starlile’ have been in impressive form since drawing their first match against Mighty Gunners 1-1. Since then the team has won five out of five matches, scoring a massive 14 goals and conceding only once, to surge up the table. Only one team has fared better in the league: Black Africa, who have one point more but have also played one match more. Speaking at a press conference staged at the Katutura Community Hall, Black Africa assistant coach Otto Landsberg said his team has done well, but their form has not been spectacular. “Our form has not been bad... although we are lacking a bit upfront,” he said. Black Africa have scored only nine goals in their matches thus far. That is the same number as Blue Waters, who are seventh. In fact, five teams have scored more goals than the defending champions, with Orlando Pirates (10), Civics (10), Unam (11), Tigers (14) and African Stars (15) all ahead of them. Their defence has let through four goals and will get tested further since veteran right-back Marvin Katire was suspended after picking up a red card during the team’s last match against Pirates. Landsberg feels that the team is quite fortunate as they have two capable replacements. “We are still contemplating whether to use the youngster, Dynamo Fredericks, or the versatile Denzil [Haoseb] in that position,” the assistant stated. Haoseb - along with striker Marko van Wyk - is an injury concern though, and will face a late fitness test prior to the weekend’s fixtures. Klaas Blom will be unavailable due to work commitments while former AmaZulu striker Pineas Jacob is continuing his rehabilitation and is only expected to be back at the end of November. “Other than these, we have a full complement of players and we are looking forward to a very important game.” Should Black Africa claim bragging rights and the three points up for grabs on Saturday, there will be no chance to celebrate as they are set to face Tura Magic less than 24 hours later. Reflecting on this, the team’s vice-captain, Willy Stephanus, said that they’ll have to approach both matches with the same intensity. “There’s no small or big team anymore and we have to approach both matches like cup finals,” he said. Tura Magic’s Robinson Iyambo said despite playing one of the oldest sides in the country, the team has been preparing much the way as they always do. “We’ll stick to our game plan and look forward to taking them on. We need the points and these are crucial points if we are to win something this season,” he said in reference to playing Unam and Black Africa over the weekend. Next level Meanwhile, the Black Africa Supporter’s Club is aiming to take local football to greater heights as they have planned an innovative way to ensure more fans attend their matches. The first initiative sees the club organising 15 minibus taxis to transport fans to the Independence Stadium on Saturday. “These taxis cost N$8 to get you to the stadium and will pick up fans at Katutura Central Shops, Herero Mall, Golgotha 14 and Otjomuise. We’ll have Baggio as our deejay and Webster Snewe as our entertainer so that the fans that come early to the game are not bored,” said the club’s marketing manager, Lucas Victor. The gates for Saturday’s match between Black Africa and African Stars will open at 17:00. WINDHOEK-HECTOR MAWONGA