DECEMBER 2000 SPORT HEADLINES

Thursday, January 25, 2001 - Web posted at 9:17:46 AM GMT

Arrows determined to stay in top flight
HELGE SCHUTZ

ELEVEN Arrows go into this weekend's Windhoek Lager Premier League promotion-relegation matches determined to stay in the top flight after just one year back in the Premier League.

A lengthy dispute with the NFA resulted in them missing two seasons in the top flight, but after their dispute was settled out of court, they were back last season with a young and untested team.

According to Arrows' spokesperson, Nana Tjombe the team did not perform as well as they had hoped, but they learnt a lot and were now determined to stay in the Premier League."

"We are treating the play-offs like a final.

Every match must be won, but I'm positive that our experience and strength will see us through," he said.

Tjombe said that the players were fit and ready for the play-offs after putting in a lot of training over the festive season."

"We played in the Christmas Cup and started training early in January.

Last weekend we participated in a tournament in Arandis and so far everything is going according to plan," he said.

Tjombe added that Arrows had also received valuable support and training from former Brave Warriors captain, Sandro de Gouveia during their build-up for the play-offs.

But, according to Tjombe, the untimely death of Arrows' former coach, Albert Louw last year, will serve as the biggest inspiration for the players."

"We will dedicate all our games to Albert Louw," he said.

Five teams will be involved in a gruelling mini-league at Windhoek's Independence Stadium on Saturday, January 27 and Sunday, January 28.

Several other second division play-offs will also take place throughout the country.

Premier League promotion-relegation fixtures:Independence Stadium, Saturday, January 27:09h00: Hotflames v Eleven Arrows11h00: Katima Wanderers v Benfica14h00: Friends v Hotflames16h00: Katima Wanderers v Eleven Arrows18h00: Benfica v FriendsIndependence Stadium, Sunday, January 28:08h00: Friends v Katima Wanderers10h00: Eleven Arrows v Benfica13h00: Katima Wanderers v Hotflames15h00: Eleven Arrows v Friends17h00: Hotflames v BenficaKhomas, Erongo and Omaheke Region play-offs:Group A, second division:Nampol field, Saturday, January 27:09h00: My Dae Chiefs v Strangers13h00: Young Tigers v Strangers15h00: My Dae Chiefs v Young TigersKaras and Hardap Region play-offs:Aranos F C have automatically been promoted to the Southern First Division after winning the Hardap region.

King Pele Santos and Youngsters will play-off on Saturday, January 27 and Saturday, February 3 to determine the winner of the Karas region which will also be promoted to the Southern First Division.

Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshikoto Region play-offs:Oshakati Stadium, Saturday, January 27:08h00: Fairway Stars v Onambula United10h00: Young Tops v Omutele Warriors14h00: Omutele Warriors v Onambula United16h00: Young Tops v Fairway StarsOshakati Stadium, Sunday, January 28:09h00: Onambula United v Young Tops11h00: Fairway Stars v Omutele WarriorsThe winner will be promoted to the Far North First Division.

Otjozondjupa and Kunene Region play-offs:Otjiwarongo, Saturday, January 27:14h00: BMC v Robber ChantiesKhorixas, Sunday, January 28:14h00: Robber Chanties v BMCThe winner will be promoted to the Far North First Division.

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