Stars face stern Pirates test

The defending Bidvest Namibia Cup champions, African Stars, will be facing a stern test of their credentials when they face Orlando Pirates in a last-16 fixture of the competition at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tonight. Stars survived a scare against Eleven Arrows in the last round as the coastal side failed to take advantage of the numerous chances they created. During that game the ‘Samba Boys’ looked out of sorts and lacklustre with Meraai Swartbooi eventually coming off the bench to rescue the situation and hand Stars a 2-1 victory. Stars cannot afford a similar performance tonight as they will face a well-rested Pirates team who have not played a competitive match in the last two weeks. Adding spice to the tie is the fact that Stars will be facing their former coach Ali Akan, who already has one over the side after leading Pirates to a 2-1 win over Stars in the opening Namibia Premier League (NPL) fixture. A tough match, where no quarter will be asked or given, is thus expected with penalties likely to be needed to decide the match. While this match is undoubtedly the pick of the weekend's Bidvest Namibia Cup fixtures, football fans will be treated to a lot of action with Khomas Regional second-division team Kaizen Football Academy set to face Ramblers in the early kickoff at the same venue tonight. Football goes regional In Mariental, a further three matches are set to take place at the Mariental Sport Stadium with the first game pitting Mountain Rangers against Rundu Chiefs. The second match at that venue will be an all-NPL clash as Blue Waters take on Tigers. That game features two sides with contrasting league fortunes, with Tigers currently flying high as they continue to lead the NPL while Waters are hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. But as is customary with cup games, the form book might just be thrown out as a one-off match inspires players to rise to the occasion. Another close affair is expected with the unpredictability of Waters’ Hendrik Somaeb possibly edging the coastal side to victory. The last match at that venue pits two Southern Stream First Division (SSFD) teams against each other with Citizens facing Bee Bob Brothers. In Gobabis, another all-NPL clash sees United Stars facing Blue Boys while Tura Magic clash with Tropical Heat in the early kickoff and Blue Birds are set to tackle Black Africa in the day’s closing match. Bidvest Namibia Cup fixtures Tonight, February 28 Sam Nujoma Stadium 19:00 Kaizen FA v Ramblers 21:00 Orlando Pirates v African Stars Saturday, March 1 Mariental Sport Stadium 13:00 Mountain Rangers v Rundu Chiefs 15:00 Blue Waters v Tigers 17:00 Citizens v Bee Bob Brothers Gobabis Legare Stadium 13:00 Tura Magic v Tropical Heat 15:00 United Stars v Blue Boys 17:00 Blue Birds v Black Africa WINDHOEK-HECTOR MAWONGA PACEY ATTACK: Orlando Pirates’ Stanley Kamesiepo (left) is one of the potent players for his side. Photo: FILE