BLACK Africa landed the Namibian Premier League’s million-dollar top prize on Saturday after they beat perennial foes Orlando Pirates 2-1 in an enthralling match played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
‘Pirates gave us a run for our money,’ said a beaming Black Africa technical director Brian Isaacs after his team pulled of the dramatic come from behind triumph, bringing an end to a 12 year long wait for league success.Pirates had the better of the first half and led 1-0 going into the break courtesy of Johannes Seibeb’s firmly struck penalty. However BA were the more determined side in the second as they overturned the deficit and won the match thanks to goals by Warren Neidel and Bradley Wermann. ‘My players came back second half and played excellent football … very hungry for goals and victory. It was a beautiful game,’ said Isaacs. After Neidel had levelled for BA on 65 minutes, Seibeb thought he had extended Pirates’ lead once again but his headed effort was ruled out for offside. Soon after BA’s Wermann and teammate Rudi Louw were also both denied goals in the same fashion. However, BA’s positive play finally produced the winning goal with six minutes to go when Pirates goalkeeper Helmuth Maletzky spilled substitute striker Roger Katjiteo’s shot allowing Wermann to slam the ball loose ball into net. BA’s victory now renders their final two outings academic, however, according to Isaacs, they plan to increase their points tally.Second-placed Ramblers consolidated their runners-up spot with a 1-0 victory over former champions African Stars. Young striker Benson Shilongo was on target for Ramblers as Stars finally lost their battle to retain the championship.DROP ZONEAt the bottom, Blue Boys’ quest to remain in the topflight was aided by their 3-2 victory over Eleven Arrows to stay just above the relegation spots. They now have 24 points from 20 games, one point more than second last Mighty Gunners, who beat SKW 4-2, and five ahead of bottom side Oshakati City, who defeated Blue Waters 2-1. All three sides, especially City, now need to win their remaining two fixtures in order to avoid dropping down to the first division. Civics’s 3-0 hammering by Tigers last Wednesday means they too have been dragged into the relegation battle. Having been in the title hunt less than three weeks ago, they now find themselves fourth from bottom, one point ahead of Blue Boys. Also in danger of getting the chop are Blue Waters, who share the same number of points as Civics despite being a position higher.
