High-riding Tigers expect tough battles

MTC Premiership table toppers Tigers are prepared for two difficult clashes when they travel to Rundu to take on Julinho Sporting and United Stars over the weekend. The Shandumbala team currently leads the league standing on 23 points, having played two matches less than their nearest rivals Black Africa, who are on 20 points. “We have worked very hard for these matches because we know it is very difficult to play in Rundu,” Tigers coach Brian Isaacs said yesterday. But even so, the mentor warned that the two Rundu sides should expect his team to come out guns blazing. “We will also give them a good run for their money. We are on a good run and will not give that up easily even though we might also soon be casualties in terms of our unbeaten record,” Isaacs said further. Tigers are on a nine-match winning streak and have been earmarked as odds-on favourites to win the league. Isaacs, though, said that it is still early to talk about league championship and who might win it. “We will enjoy our current position and defend the status [as league leaders] that we currently have… but it is still early days to talk about league titles,” he said, having earlier given credit to his players for their dedication and discipline. Isaacs has led several teams to football glory. His most recent success was with Black Africa, whom he led to four consecutive MTC Premiership titles. With that experience in mind Isaacs, who has also had a stint coaching the senior national football team, said that the second leg will determine where Tigers will eventually finish their league campaign. “If you are in the driving seat during the second round it makes it easier because you are not chasing and you can then pick and choose which games are a must win,” he said. Julinho are in 14th spot with nine points while United Stars are in ninth with 12 points. Fixtures Saturday, October 31 Rundu Sport Stadium 13:30 Julinho Sporting v Tigers 16:00 United Stars v African Stars Sam Nujoma Stadium 13:30 Civics v Blue Waters 16:00 Orlando Pirates v Eleven Arrows Sunday, November 1 Rundu Sport Stadium 12:30 Julinho Sporting v African Stars 15:00 United Stars v Tigers Sam Nujoma Stadium 12:30 Orlando Pirates v Blue Waters 15:00 Civics v Eleven Arrows HECTOR MAWONGA