Tigers end first round on top of MTC Premiership

Tigers made sure that they will finish the year as the log leaders of the MTC Premiership after playing to a 1-1 draw with Blue Waters at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday. The draw saw team getting 34 points ahead of their fixture against Eleven Arrows at the Independence Stadium yesterday afternoon. The result also meant that even though Black Africa managed to close the gap to just four points, after their 1-0 won over Mighty Gunners on Saturday, Tigers will end the year in top spot regardless of the outcome of yesterday’s matches. Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, edged closer to the leading pack after picking up a 1-0 win over bottom of the log Julinho Sporting at the Independence Stadium on Saturday. That result gave the Buccaneers 25 points, which will stand them in good stead once the league resumes early next year. Further points against United Stars in yesterday’s match will help the revamped Pirates’ cause. The team has recently seen some management changes with former coach Ali Akan installed as the club’s chairman. Meanwhile, in the relegation dog fight, Julinho’s latest loss meant that they went into yesterday’s matches still occupying last place in the 16-team league. The Rundu team’s poor form is surprising as its participation in the season opening Dr. Hage Geingob Cup was thought to be an advantage given the fact the team competed well against the likes of African Stars and Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto. But while Julinho’s form has been in free fall, Civics has been incredibly rejuvenated since former player Donnelly Nell has taken charge of the team. While the club had been in the relegation zone at the start of the season, the Khomasdal side is now in ninth spot on the back of gaining 10 points from a possible 15 during their last five matches. HECTOR MAWONGA