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KK Palace look to extend Maris Cup winning streak

HIGH AIMS … KK Palace are looking to extend their MTC Maris Cup run with victory over Bucks Buccaneers at Oshakati this weekend. Photo: NFA

KK Palace are oozing confidence heading into their highly anticipated MTC Maris battle for a semi-final berth against Bucks Buccaneers at Oshakati on Sunday.

The encounter is effectively a home match for Palace, whose Ondangwa base is less than 40 minutes away from the Oshakati Independence Stadium.

Coupled with the stunning 3-0 humbling of premiership table-toppers Nampol last Saturday, expectations are sky high from the newcomers’ fan base.

And with the popular Eeshoke Chula Chula eliminated, Palace are likely to have their neighbours’ vociferous support behind them.

Head coach Anderson Phiri says this will motivate his Palace charges to maintain their terrific form against a Buccaneers’ side that will be looking to burst their bubble.

Speaking to Desert FM yesterday, Phiri expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness as they continue their rigorous preparations.

“So far, so good. We are still preparing because the game is on Sunday. Everyone here is ready, the morale is high, and the boys are well-motivated after our victory that secured us a place in the quarterfinals,” Phiri said.

Winning three consecutive matches on the road, including two in the league, after a difficult start to the season has galvanised Phiri’s unit, turning doubters and critics alike into admirers.

The ruthless ease with which Palace disposed of Khomas Nampol in particular made football fans keen to follow what happens next.

This spotlight has led to questions about whether the team will be able to handle the pressure that comes with increased scrutiny heading into this crucial encounter.

Phiri maintains that they will rise to the occasion.

“People may say we lack experience because we are a newly promoted side, and we accept that. But it’s about how you handle that pressure, how you motivate the players, and how you psych them up,” Phiri said.

“Talent is there, and our job is to ensure that the players are in the right positions at the right time.

Phiri believes his underdogs have earned their place in the limelight.

“Everyone is now talking about KK Palace, the team people never expected to go this far,” he added.

“We urge our supporters to come in numbers and cheer us on. Their presence will give us confidence and moral support. At the end of it all, we promise to put a smile on their faces.”

Bucks Buccaneers head coach Woody Jacobs acknowledged that facing KK Palace at ‘home’ presents a significant challenge.

Nonetheless, it is an obstacle they intend to overcome and keep their dreams of glory alive.

“It’s a big task. The fact that KK Palace is playing at home makes it even more difficult,” Jacobs said.

“But we are ready for this one.

“In order to win cups, you need to be ready for games like this. We are coming off a morale-boosting win and we want to carry that momentum into this match,” Jacobs said.

He emphasised the importance of sticking to their game plan and capitalising on their strengths. “If it’s not broken, why fix it? We want to play an exciting brand of football, but also be resolute at the back.

“The pitch at the Oshakati Independence Stadium is in great condition, and we want to make the best use of it,” he said.

The three other clashes to look forward to include Ongos against Young African and Unam versus Blue Waters at the same venue tomorrow, with Mighty Gunners versus African Stars getting Sunday’s action underway.

Gunners coach Gerhard Hengari said his team looks forward to taking on league and Namibia Football Association Cup champions African Stars.

“We’ve worked hard to come up with a plan against African Stars, a top team with experienced players and coaches. It won’t be easy, but we are ready,” he said.

“The pressure is on them, not us. We’ll give it our all and make them work for it. The cup is different from the league – we’re going in to win,” he added.

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