Namibia Premier League finale set for fireworks SKW

LOCAL soccer fans can prepare for a grand finale when second round action of the MTC Namibia Premier League resumes in about two weeks time.

Civics, also known as the Bethlehem Boys, are currently topping the log standings with 16 points from six league outings so far, with defending champions Blue Waters breathing down their neck with 12 points. The Beautiful Birds, as Blue Waters are affectionately known, have played one match less, however, and judging on their recent form, they are more than capable of defending their title successfully.Not that Civics are going to relinquish their top spot easily either because the lads from Khomasdal have been playing an exciting attacking brand of football of late.They also seem to have found an excellent goal scoring machine in the young Heini Isaacs who has been banging in the goals for his team like there was no tomorrow.And with the excellent support he receives from the likes of Rudi Louw and the ever-green Donny Isaacs from the midfield, Heini could finish the season well amongst the league’s top scorers.Blue Waters also appear to have finally come to terms with the loss of their former goal-grabber Paulus ‘Wire’ Shipanga who has joined Mvela League campaigners Wits University FC in South Africa.The harbour town outfit has unleashed a deadly striker in young Meraai Swartbooi who seems to be enjoying scoring goals like a priest enjoys his Sunday morning sermon.The youngster was particularly impressive in his team’s last two league outings against Oshakati City and old campaigners Chief Santos whom they defeated 4-0 and 3-0, respectively.In addition to Swartbooi’s scoring prowess, Blue Waters can always depend on the reliable right foot of Armando ‘The Bull’ Pedro whose experience and form in front of the goalpost speaks volumes.Third placed Tigers FC look likely to contest strongly for the league title with Civics and Blue Waters but the Shandumbala Boys have been hampered by a bout of inconsistency of late.The Ingweinyama, as Tigers are also known, kick-started their campaign in excellent form with three consecutive wins during a spell which saw them leading in the earlier stages of last year.But their fairy tale start seems to have crumbled and a loss and a draw was the way they managed to finish their last two matches of last year.The defeat to newcomers SKW FC was a real shocker.The Ingweinyama have accumulated 10 points from their five outings, the same points as fourth-placed African Stars, but the Samba Boys have played two matches more.While things look rosy for Civics, Blue Waters, Tigers and Stars, prospects don’t look too hot for teams like former champions Chief Santos, Eleven Arrows, SKW FC and fellow newcomers Touch & Go.Santos and Arrows, winners of the coveted league title at one stage or the other during the last decade, will have to pull up their socks if they want to remain in the elite league next season.Santos, who have also been a dominant force in the prestigious NFA Cup, which they have won more times than any other team, only managed to scrape together five points from seven outings.The Copper Town Boys have only a single win to brag about with two draws and four losses while Arrows with also one win, one draw and three losses, are not too proud with their four points.Touch & Go are rock bottom with three points from a single win, they have played six ties losing five, while second-last SKW FC boast a record of one win, four losses and three points from five matches played so far.The Beautiful Birds, as Blue Waters are affectionately known, have played one match less, however, and judging on their recent form, they are more than capable of defending their title successfully.Not that Civics are going to relinquish their top spot easily either because the lads from Khomasdal have been playing an exciting attacking brand of football of late.They also seem to have found an excellent goal scoring machine in the young Heini Isaacs who has been banging in the goals for his team like there was no tomorrow.And with the excellent support he receives from the likes of Rudi Louw and the ever-green Donny Isaacs from the midfield, Heini could finish the season well amongst the league’s top scorers.Blue Waters also appear to have finally come to terms with the loss of their former goal-grabber Paulus ‘Wire’ Shipanga who has joined Mvela League campaigners Wits University FC in South Africa.The harbour town outfit has unleashed a deadly striker in young Meraai Swartbooi who seems to be enjoying scoring goals like a priest enjoys his Sunday morning sermon.The youngster was particularly impressive in his team’s last two league outings against Oshakati City and old campaigners Chief Santos whom they defeated 4-0 and 3-0, respectively.In addition to Swartbooi’s scoring prowess, Blue Waters can always depend on the reliable right foot of Armando ‘The Bull’ Pedro whose experience and form in front of the goalpost speaks volumes.Third placed Tigers FC look likely to contest strongly for the league title with Civics and Blue Waters but the Shandumbala Boys have been hampered by a bout of inconsistency of late.The Ingweinyama, as Tigers are also known, kick-started their campaign in excellent form with three consecutive wins during a spell which saw them leading in the earlier stages of last year.But their fairy tale start seems to have crumbled and a loss and a draw was the way they managed to finish their last two matches of last year.The defeat to newcomers SKW FC was a real shocker.The Ingweinyama have accumulated 10 points from their five outings, the same points as fourth-placed African Stars, but the Samba Boys have played two matches more.While things look rosy for Civics, Blue Waters, Tigers and Stars, prospects don’t look too hot for teams like former champions Chief Santos, Eleven Arrows, SKW FC and fellow newcomers Touch & Go.Santos and Arrows, winners of the coveted league title at one stage or the other during the last decade, will have to pull up their socks if they want to remain in the elite league next season.Santos, who have also been a dominant force in the prestigious NFA Cup, which they have won more times than any other team, only managed to scrape together five points from seven outings.The Copper Town Boys have only a single win to brag about with two draws and four losses while Arrows with also one win, one draw and three losses, are not too proud with their four points.Touch & Go are rock bottom with three points from a single win, they have played six ties losing five, while second-last SKW FC boast a record of one win, four losses and three points from five matches played so far.