Mannetti optimistic about title triumph

CIVICS head coach Ricardo Mannetti believes his side still has enough in the tank to deliver an effective blow to several favourites in the Namibia Premier League, as he attempts to capture the fourth league title for the team.

Mannetti told The Namibian Sport ahead of his team’s 2-1 win over African Stars on Wednesday that he enjoys the outsider tag for now, but is optimistic that they will end among the top with only eight matches left for them now.’Despite releasing some of the players recently, I am still realistic about our chances of making an impact in the league with the current squad. The players have the ability to make it and most importantly they believe in themselves and are eager to get good results in each game,’e said.Mannetti released players such as Mentos Hipondoka, Doc Cloete and Floris Diergaardt, but is excited with the return of defensive stalwart Donnelly Nel from injury and Heinrich Isaacks who he hopes will be a valuable asset for the side in future.’The three players asked to be released, but despite that, we are very excited about our current players and I am happy to say that Donnelly is back, while we will also have Heini (Isaacks) who is still not match fit, but an asset for the team in future.’Heini returned from a long-term injury, but Civics also boasts with a wide-awake front line of Eslin Kamuhanga, Pineas Jacob and Nelson Angula.The trio had the Stars defence in all sorts of trouble with their trickery, pace, skill and good communication that left many Stars supporters baffled.Civics have 30 points from their 14 matches and were joint in second spot with SKW which was due to play Ramblers last night.Statistically, Civics managed to win all their last six matches, beating Hotspurs 4-1, SKW 3-0, Mighty Gunners 2-0, Orlando Pirates 3-1, Oshakati City 4-1 and last night Stars 2-1.An incredible record for Mannetti, who is also on the threshold of qualifying for the last 16 of the Cell One NFA Cup when they meet Young Tops in Grootfontein at the weekend. The former Brave Warriors midfield ball juggler, who also runs a football academy on top of his coaching job, says the league will have an exciting climax.’The race for the title is wide open. We are ready for the challenge, but we will take each game as it comes,’ he said. corry@namibian.com.na