‘Maxi’ saves Stars from Tigers’ jaws

AFRICAN Stars goalkeeper Maximilian Mbaeva made a splendid save with one hand to block a possible match winner from Tigers striker Pineas Jacobs in a fascinating MTC Premiership match at the SKW Stadium on Wednesday night.

The under-20 national team goalkeeper reacted in time to keep out a thunderous blast from Pineas at close range, as the teams were tied at 1-all with only three minutes to go before the end. The match also saw the sending-off of Stars midfielder Erwin Njembo after a rough tackle on Tigers defender and captain Mahni Martin.On the same night, Ramblers spoiled their chances to go level on 27 points with Civics, after they were held to a 0-all draw by an error-ridden SKW side at the same venue.Mbaeva, who was the man of the match on the night, stood tall throughout the match, making spectacular saves that largely kept his side in contention after they were led 1-0 at halftime.The tall Stars striker Gerson ‘Gazza’ Katjatenja used his pace and physique to burst through the Tigers defence, unleashing a powerful ground-shot within the box midway through the second half, with Tigers goalie Fox Nambundunga at sea.The fast-pace encounter saw referee Matthew ‘Cafu’ Katjimune dishing out a total of nine yellow cards as he tried to calm down tempers of players which rose at several stages.The second half produced the best of football from both sides, with especially Stars right winger Brouwers Litombo working overtime on the left wing, while Freedom Puriza was given little room to make his trademark crosses from the left.Tigers striker Jacobs was also in short supply as Stars defenders Mali Ngarizemo and Dennis Ngueza kept affairs under tight control, while there was also little room for creative midfielder Letu Shatimuene who played on the left wing.Stars midfielder Johannes Seibeb disappointed with his two shots that he ballooned way off target in both halves, while new Tigers signee Muthumyeli Moyo from Zimbabwe enjoyed himself in midfield with cool touches and precise passes to his team-mates.He also had two shots on goal which did not carry a lot of power to threaten Mbaeva.Tigers’ stocky striker Leonard Stanley came on in the last 15 minutes and immediately made an impact with his tricky runs and quick passes, which were fortunately detected soon enough by the Stars defence.Ramblers had the chance to push up their points against SKW, but both sides produced a poor display with little chances at goal.There was virtually no excitement as both teams struggled to connect passes, while shots at goal were of poor quality, despite the experience of the two credible line-ups.For this weekend, Civics will hope to further increase their lead at the summit of the table as they travel to northern Namibia to meet an in-form Oshakati City at the Independence Stadium on Saturday.The match will be a tough assignment for the two-time defending champions, considering the defence which has been rocked by injuries, while the City strike force is currently at its best.Civics are on 27 points from 13 matches, with Ramblers second on 25.Wins against City and Golden Bees for Civics will be vital to keep their title hopes in check.Civics has some of the best attackers in the league in William Chilufya, Geoffrey Roman, Floris Diergaardt and Eusebio Fredericks, while attacking midfielder Rudi Louw is a the most dangerous player for the side.Fredericks, who is only 18 years of age, is an exciting prospect and hails from the Civics development programme, which has also yielded a number of players to premiership sides.The youngster will possibly be included in two away encounters to lead the attack for Civics, which hopes to clinch their third successive title after they were hurled out of the MTC NFA Cup by Eleven Arrows.Orlando Pirates, one of the country’s heavyweights are currently rooted at the base of the table and this weekend will be their last chance to get out of that situation.The ‘Buccaneers’ face both Blue Waters and Eleven Arrows in Windhoek and their chances of posting wins can be boosted by their supporters.It is inevitable for the Pirates supporters to come in numbers at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow and on Sunday to rally behind their team as this is the time they need the support the most.Pirates coach Ali Akan has kept a cool head despite his side going downwards in their last four matches.It will now depend on him and the players to take charge of the situation and avoid facing relegation, which clearly looks eminent.Pirates, a quality side on the books, know that they will find their way past the coastal sides difficult, but it will be down to their discipline and a winning mentality.Eleven Arrows, who are comfortably roaming in mid-table at this stage, compared to last year when they fought hard to save themselves from possible relegation, can thank new coach Lucky Shipanga for their current form.Shipanga turned the tables around as soon as he stepped in during the second round in the side, which was extremely inconsistent in league and cup competitions.Shipanga made an immediate impact as the side has turned into a more attacking force, while their defence has also tightened up a lot.Blue Waters have gone a step backwards from their usual attacking play, with the number of youngsters in the side still struggling to find their feet.Blue Waters coach Shepherd Murape said it was just a matter of time for them to start winning matches, but has ruled out any relegation woes towards the end of the season as they are fourth from the bottom now.This weekend’s matches will push all teams to 15 matches in total, leaving only six to go before the season ends.The match also saw the sending-off of Stars midfielder Erwin Njembo after a rough tackle on Tigers defender and captain Mahni Martin.On the same night, Ramblers spoiled their chances to go level on 27 points with Civics, after they were held to a 0-all draw by an error-ridden SKW side at the same venue.Mbaeva, who was the man of the match on the night, stood tall throughout the match, making spectacular saves that largely kept his side in contention after they were led 1-0 at halftime.The tall Stars striker Gerson ‘Gazza’ Katjatenja used his pace and physique to burst through the Tigers defence, unleashing a powerful ground-shot within the box midway through the second half, with Tigers goalie Fox Nambundunga at sea.The fast-pace encounter saw referee Matthew ‘Cafu’ Katjimune dishing out a total of nine yellow cards as he tried to calm down tempers of players which rose at several stages.The second half produced the best of football from both sides, with especially Stars right winger Brouwers Litombo working overtime on the left wing, while Freedom Puriza was given little room to make his trademark crosses from the left.Tigers striker Jacobs was also in short supply as Stars defenders Mali Ngarizemo and Dennis Ngueza kept affairs under tight control, while there was also little room for creative midfielder Letu Shatimuene who played on the left wing.Stars midfielder Johannes Seibeb disappointed with his two shots that he ballooned way off target in both halves, while new Tigers signee Muthumyeli Moyo from Zimbabwe enjoyed himself in midfield with cool touches and precise passes to his team-mates.He also had two shots on goal which did not carry a lot of power to threaten Mbaeva.Tigers’ stocky striker Leonard Stanley came on in the last 15 minutes and immediately made an impact with his tricky runs and quick passes, which were fortunately detected soon enough by the Stars defence.Ramblers had the chance to push up their points against SKW, but both sides produced a poor display with little chances at goal.There was virtually no excitement as both teams struggled to connect passes, while shots at goal were of poor quality, despite the experience of the two credible line-ups.For this weekend, Civics will hope to further increase their lead at the summit of the table as they travel to northern Namibia to meet an in-form Oshakati City at the Independence Stadium on Saturday.The match will be a tough assignment for the two-time defending champions, considering the defence which has been rocked by injuries, while the City strike force is currently at its best.Civics are on 27 points from 13 matches, with Ramblers second on 25.Wins against City and Golden Bees for Civics will be vital to keep their title hopes in check. Civics has some of the best attackers in the league in William Chilufya, Geoffrey Roman, Floris Diergaardt and Eusebio Fredericks, while attacking midfielder Rudi Louw is a the most dangerous player for the side.Fredericks, who is only 18 years of age, is an exciting prospect and hails from the Civics development programme, which has also yielded a number of players to premiership sides.The youngster will possibly be included in two away encounters to lead the attack for Civics, which hopes to clinch their third successive title after they were hurled out of the MTC NFA Cup by Eleven Arrows.Orlando Pirates, one of the country’s heavyweights are currently rooted at the base of the table and this weekend will be their last chance to get out of that situation.The ‘Buccaneers’ face both Blue Waters and Eleven Arrows in Windhoek and their chances of posting wins can be boosted by their supporters.It is inevitable for the Pirates supporters to come in numbers at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow and on Sunday to rally behind their team as this is the time they need the support the most.Pirates coach Ali Akan has kept a cool head despite his side going downwards in their last four matches.It will now depend on him and the players to take charge of the situation and avoid facing relegation, which clearly looks eminent.Pirates, a quality side on the books, know that they will find their way past the coastal sides difficult, but it will be down to their discipline and a winning mentality.Eleven Arrows, who are comfortably roaming in mid-table at this stage, compared to last year when they fought hard to save themselves from possible relegation, can thank new coach Lucky Shipanga for their current form.Shipanga turned the tables around as soon as he stepped in during the second round in the side, which was extremely inconsistent in league and cup competitions.Shipanga made an immediate impact as the side has turned into a more attacking force, while their defence has also tightened up a lot.Blue Waters have gone a step backwards from their usual attacking play, with the number of youngsters in the side still struggling to find their feet.Blue Waters coach Shepherd Murape said it was just a matter of time for them to start winning matches, but has ruled out any relegation woes towards the end of the season as they are fourth from the bottom now.This weekend’s matches will push all teams to 15 matches in total, leaving only six to go before the season ends.