TURA Magic have gone from wobbly Namibia Premier League rookies to potential championship contenders in just over a year.
Having initially struggled to adapt to life in the Premiership and languishing in the relegation zone for the better part of the first half of last season, the Magicians rallied in the second to finish sixth on the log in their maiden campaign in the top flight.
They have begun this season in impressive form, winning the season opening NPL Cup as well as managing a opening day away victory over Eleven Arrows and a draw against last season's runner-ups African Stars in their second match.
Magic head coach Bertus Bock and Wednesday night’s opposing coach Ali Akan of Orlando Pirates agree that recent success suggests the side, which is barely seven years-old, can no longer be classified among the minnows of Namibian football.
“Tura's confidence is very high. They were a team that nobody gave a chance but they have been doing well. They are a very good team and it will be difficult for us when we play against them,” Akan said.
Bock added that his side had earned the right to be considered title contenders.
“Tura Magic is not just here to add up the numbers in the Premier League. We are here to compete and win,” he said.
“Tura Magic is no longer a small team. We finished sixth last season and this season we aim to finish higher.
“We are not looking at fifth of fourth. My aim is to lift the team from finishing sixth to third, second or even first position,” said Bock.
His charges will be keen to cement their improved status when they host a Pirates team, at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, which they have already defeated this season.
“We beat them 1-0 in the League Cup. They have revenge on their mind. They also lost last week. So they are wounded and want to bounce back,” said Bock, who was assistant coach at Pirates for the first round last season.
“We will play our game and try to win and pick up points. The boys have been playing together for a long time now, so they know each other well. The spirit is very high and we will try to keep playing football the best way we can,” Bock said.
Akan blamed last week's surprise home defeat to Arrows on unspecified off-field problems but said his side would give an improved account of themselves on Wednesday night.
Pirates began the season on a high, beating African Stars 2-1, before their lacklustre 2-0 defeat to Arrows.
“There was a problem outside the pitch but we sat down and have overcome it. We have to be serious from the technical team, management and players side and we can win [trophies],” Akan said, before shifting his focus on tonight's encounter.
“I think it will be one of the best games on the pitch. We want to win and will do everything possible to win. Unfortunately we lost in a bad way to Arrows. The players did not concentrate. But we can play better. Tomorrow we must play better.”
