Kaizen eye Citizens upset in Bidvest Cup action

Kaizen Football Academy (KFA) is planning another giant-killing when they take on Citizens in the quarterfinals of the Bidvest Namibia Cup at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tonight. The youthful side, based in Khomasdal and competing in the Khomas Second Division, defeated Namibia Premier League (NPL) outfit Ramblers on penalties after a one-all draw to book their place in the quarterfinals. According to their coach, James Britz, their sights are now set on a semi-final berth at the expense of their first-division rivals, Citizens, who recently won promotion to the NPL. “We want to go as far as we can in this cup,” he said. “This is our chance to test our players against the best and so far, so good. We played well against Ramblers and taking on Citizens, who have already qualified to the (NPL), is another boost for us. We have nothing to lose and all to play for. We plan to go through to the semi-finals but we [do] respect (Citizens). They are a very good side,” Britz added. The coach also revealed that his team will employ a counter-attack strategy in tonight’s match. “We have to be quick and hard in our attacks and defence. Our transitions have to be quick and we must not let them settle on the ball. It worked with Ramblers and we won’t change it. We will keep it tight as well so as try to take our chances at all times,” Britz said. KFA did experience some issues with regard to their preparations for this match, though. In addition to some of their players suffering niggling injuries, the team also struggled to find a regular training venue. Despite these struggles, Britz insisted his players are in the right frame of mind ahead of tonight’s fixture. “All is history now and the players have recovered in time and are all available to compete and represent the team. We have a very young team with enthusiastic players who know that only they can defeat themselves with fear and too much respect but with determination, hard work and teamwork, we can make it,” the coach stated. Tonight’s match will start at 20:00 with match tickets costing N$30 at Computicket outlets. Tickets are also available at the Namibian Football Association (NFA) offices in Katutura. WINDHOEK-NFA.ORG.NA