‘Limping Lions’ rally for derby

By: SHEEFENI NIKODEMUS

BLACK Africa have enlisted the services of a psychologist to help them focus on retaining the Namibia Premier League championship.

They head into tomorrow’s showdown against African Stars at the Sam Nujoma Stadium knowing that there is little room for error.
The champions have been rocked by an inexplicable lack of confidence in recent weeks, which has seen them squander what once appeared to be an insurmountable lead over title pretenders African Stars.
An unexpected 4-1 drubbing by Tigers in their previous outing has left BA nervously looking over their shoulder.
Assistant coach Eric Quest has promised an improved performance from the limping ‘Lively Lions’ – for whom a victory would confirm them as champions for a third time in as many years, while a draw would drag the title race into the final day of the season.
“We discussed that performance with our players and told them that it was just a bad day at the office, because three of Tigers’ four goals came from defensive errors. On Saturday you will see a different Black Africa – if you approach a wounded lion, it is very dangerous,” Quest said.
“We even brought in psychologists. It’s a pressure game. It’s a very important match for us. We know that if we can get a good result then we can defend our title successfully,” he added. Should Stars emerge victorious, they will leapfrog BA to lead by two points going into their final match of the season, which is against third-placed Orlando Pirates.
“We respect African Stars. They’ve pushed us all the way. We must congratulate them for that.
“But come Saturday we know what to expect from them. We know their strengths, we know their weaknesses and we are planning to exploit those weaknesses,” said Quest.
BA’s recent troubles could work to their advantage against a Stars side that are brimming with confidence.
Stars may be on a high after reaching the Bidvest Namibia final last weekend, however they failed to capitalise on BA’s loss to Tigers, also falling to a 1-0 defeat against relegation threatened Eleven Arrows.
Oozing with glee at the prospect of still being eligible to win every piece of silverware on offer this season, Stars coach Ali Akan reasserted his belief that his side are “always favourites” for every match.
“I think my players are the best in the league without a doubt and we have to win this game to win the title. These two teams deserve to be number one and two, but at the end of the season we will be first, of that there is no question,” Akan said.
Tickets for the match will be available from today and can be obtained from Black Africa’s office in the centre of Windhoek or from the NFA Soccer House. Tickets can also be bought at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday, with the gates opening at noon.
There will be live entertainment featuring artists like Webster Snewe, Dixon and the Swazis.
 SKW will take on Civics in a 15h00 curtain raiser at the Sam Nujoma Stadium with the main match between African Stars and Black Africa kicking off at 19h00.
Tonight, Tigers face Orlando Pirates at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 20h00 in a contest for third spot.
In a battle for survival, Eleven Arrows host Mighty Gunners in Walvis Bay tomorrow, while Ramblers take on Blue Waters at the Ramblers Stadium in a mid-table clash at 15h00.
With Premier League football for next season secured, Tura Magic can improve their league position if they beat bottom side Rundu Chiefs at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium tomorrow at 15h00.

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