Ramblers target three points against Civics

By: SHEEFENI NIKODEMUS

THERE won’t be room for sentiments when coach Woody Jacobs’ Ramblers face former club Civics at the Independence Stadium tonight.

Jacobs said he would put his close association with a number of players at Civics and counterpart Jeremy Zimmer on the back burner in his bid to collect maximum points during the 90 minutes.  
Especially given that second placed Ramblers can return to the summit of the Namibia Premier League if they emerge victorious tonight.
Civics are on five points, five behind tonight’s opponents, and are fifth on the log.
“I have fond memories of my time at Civics. It’s the club I started my coaching career with in 2001. But all sentiments will be put aside. It’s all about getting the points and getting the job done,” said Jacobs.
“Psychologically it affects you when you know you are up against a team like Civics. They have good players who I know very well and a good young coach. But I don’t focus on singling out one player or marking out my former team. We have prepared ourselves for a tough match.”
Jacobs also said the back-to-back midweek games give his side a slight edge over their rivals, who only play at the weekend.
Ramblers beat Tura Magic 2-0 last Wednesday to briefly go top of the log and Jacobs believes another victory tonight will unsettle league leaders African Stars.
“It’s actually better to play midweek because if you win then you put the pressure on the other guys. We want the three points so that we can be in a better position than we are at the moment,” Jacobs said.  
Ramblers will be missing defenders Benji Ketjijere, who is out injured, and the suspended Immanuel Heita.
Civics on the other hand will be bolstered by the return from suspension of midfielder Alex Ferreira and goalkeeper Essau Tjuoro, who had to attend to a family bereavement.
Both players missed the goalless draw against Blue Waters on Saturday.

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