ORLANDO Pirates thumped relegated United Stars 6-1 on Saturday to move within one point of log leaders and defending champions African Stars who were held to a one-all draw by ten-man Civics on Friday.
Pirates trailed the champions by three points going into the weekend’s matches and have Civics to thank for ensuring that their hopes of recapturing the league crown remain alive. The Sea Robbers however had to come from behind against the bottom side in the league before running riot and putting the pressure back on African Stars who missed the chance to clinch the title on Friday. Steven Goagab, Eric Aoseb, Stanley Kamesiepo, Mohammed Ouseb, and John Samson were all on target for Pirates.
A superb curling free-kick from Bradley Wermann after just ten minutes of the first half gave Civics the lead before Ninja Karongee equalised for African Stars on 35 minutes when he kneed home a Pat Navin Uanivi knockdown. African Star’s forward Heinrich Kazeurua missed a penalty and a host of other guilt edged chances as Civics, who had defender Luther Kanalelo sent off for a professional foul midway trough the second half, sent a warning message to their rivals ahead of their crunch cup Leo NFA Cup final meeting on May 29.
Bobby Samaria described the outcome as disappointing and as a result of his charges poor finishing there is added pressure to win the last match and ensure a second successive league triumph. Samaria also maintains that the league and cup double is still on for his side.
‘The problem is that we did not put away our chances,’ said Samaria.
‘The pressure has always been there from day one. To stay on top has always been tough. The double is definitely still within touching distance.’
In other matches, Blue Waters overturned a one-goal deficit to beat Tigers 2-1 at the coast. Oshakati City ensured their premier league status by beating Hotspurs 2-1 and in the process saved fellow strugglers Ramblers, 2-1 losers to Eleven Arrows, from the relegation battle as well. Hotspurs and United Stars will be plying their trade in the first division next season after enduring a miserable campaign in the top division.
