Tigers face tough test of credentials

According to a leading football personality, Tigers need to get at least seven points from the trio of Black Africa, Orlando Pirates and African Stars if they are to seriously challenge for the MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) this season. Speaking on the sidelines of a recent NPL match, the personality, who preferred to remain anonymous, said if Tigers succeed in claiming points from the trio, who are arguably their biggest threats for the NPL title; the Shandumbala team would be a shoe-in for the title this season. The team get their first chance to prove that theory correct when they face Orlando Pirates, who currently share third place with Civics, tomorrow at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. Tigers are currently the team to beat, having racked up 15 points from five matches while scoring freely against most of their opponents. But Pirates, who are now being coached by Ali Akan, have surprised many pundits especially since they managed a 1-0 opening-day victory over African Stars. That result gave Akan the confidence to present his team as potential NPL winners, saying: “Pirates is a big club and second place is not for us.” But of late they have blown a little cold, with Black Africa, thanks to a 1-0 win over Ramblers on Wednesday, overtaking them on the log standings. The likes of Marvin Areseb, Brian Gurirab and Stanley Kameseipo, though, will want to show that Pirates can play with the big boys and a victory over Tigers will go a long way towards proving that. So expect a fiery tie during tomorrow’s match, which is scheduled for 19:00. Meanwhile, the NPL will continue tonight with this season’s surprise package, Civics, hosting African Stars at the Sam Nujoma stadium at 20:00. The games pits two of the rising young coaches against each other with Civics’ Christy Guruseb looking to outsmart African Stars’ Woody Jacobs. Civics have been somewhat of a suprise while Stars have stuggled to gel. Full Fixtures Tonight, November 29 Sam Nujoma Stadium 20:00 Civics v Black Africa Saturday, November 30 Kuisebmond Stadium 16:00 Eleven Arrows v Blue Boys Rundu Sport Stadium 16:00 United Stars v Rundu Chiefs Sam Nujoma Stadium 16:00 Tura Magic v Blue Waters 19:00 Orlando Pirates v Tigers