Pirates, BA to clash in derby

WITH no date in sight for the kick-off of the new football season, two of Namibia’s most prominent clubs, Orlando Pirates and Black Africa, decided to go into battle this Saturday in a friendly match with a handsome prize for the winner.

The two will revive their long-standing rivalry at the newly constructed Sam Nujoma Soccer Stadium at the weekend, where players from both teams are expected to dish out their skills to stand a chance to be selected for future matches in case the league starts in October as anticipated. Both teams have acquired a number of new players who they believe will be doing the job for them for the new season.The fans of these two teams expect no losses and an epic task to turn the tables in their favour awaits the players and the coaching staffs of both teams.Although both teams fared poorly in the domestic league last season by occupying mid-table spots, those memories will be erased, as this match will go down in history as the first time that they clashed at the new stadium.The Sam Nujoma Soccer Stadium was inaugurated last month by the founding President and for Pirates and BA, the match will surely bring back memories of the glory days, especially among former players, when derbies were decided on the very same pitch.Both teams have strong support from the surrounding suburbs, but Pirates stand a good chance of having more fans rallying behind them, as a large section of the support base hails from Dolam, a suburb situated on the western side of the stadium.The chances of both teams to win will depend on their preparations leading to the start of the domestic season, or whether the new players that have been signed will make a difference.Orlando Pirates have snapped up former Black Africa dangerman Wilfred ‘Saul’ Coetzee, while they have also brought three more players into their fold ahead of the new season.Former Deportivo Alaves striker-cum-midfielder Ettiene Beukes will be donning the colours of Pirates this season, while his teammates Irwin Makina (midfielder) and Gordon Salon, a defender, will also be employed on the day.Coetzee and Beukes, both stocky strikers, but who have pace and the ability to make their way around defenders, can prove a handful for the BA defence if they combine well.Coetzee has won five trophies with BA over the last two seasons and has been one of their most consistent frontmen.Will he deliver for Pirates this time around? BA on their part bagged exciting midfielder Bruno Hendricks from Young Beauties and according to coach Bobby Samaria, he is the perfect player to make things happen for his side in midfield this season.Hendricks played against Tigers in his first game for the ‘Lively Lions’ at the inauguration of the stadium, and is expected to link with veteran captain Lolo Goraseb in the middle of the park.Samaria said Pirates were always a challenge and the fans would expect them to win.”They will not be happy with any loss.We have to win the match and I am looking forward to a great challenge against Pirates,” he said.He further said his team has so far eyed three prominent players to join the side, but he would not give their names.Pirates spokesperson Wessel Nanuseb said they will play for a win although it is a friendly match.”We have the ammunition.All we need to do is to score goals and I am sure we will be able to do that, especially against BA.That is for sure,” he said.The matches will primarily serve as a fundraiser for the two clubs, who do not have any sponsorship deals at the moment.Nanuseb said the winner will receive a handsome cheque, but could not reveal the figure at this stage.He said there would be lucky draws and other competitions, coupled with music and other activities to add to the fun on the day.Both teams have acquired a number of new players who they believe will be doing the job for them for the new season.The fans of these two teams expect no losses and an epic task to turn the tables in their favour awaits the players and the coaching staffs of both teams.Although both teams fared poorly in the domestic league last season by occupying mid-table spots, those memories will be erased, as this match will go down in history as the first time that they clashed at the new stadium.The Sam Nujoma Soccer Stadium was inaugurated last month by the founding President and for Pirates and BA, the match will surely bring back memories of the glory days, especially among former players, when derbies were decided on the very same pitch.Both teams have strong support from the surrounding suburbs, but Pirates stand a good chance of having more fans rallying behind them, as a large section of the support base hails from Dolam, a suburb situated on the western side of the stadium.The chances of both teams to win will depend on their preparations leading to the start of the domestic season, or whether the new players that have been signed will make a difference.Orlando Pirates have snapped up former Black Africa dangerman Wilfred ‘Saul’ Coetzee, while they have also brought three more players into their fold ahead of the new season.Former Deportivo Alaves striker-cum-midfielder Ettiene Beukes will be donning the colours of Pirates this season, while his teammates Irwin Makina (midfielder) and Gordon Salon, a defender, will also be employed on the day.Coetzee and Beukes, both stocky strikers, but who have pace and the ability to make their way around defenders, can prove a handful for the BA defence if they combine well.Coetzee has won five trophies with BA over the last two seasons and has been one of their most consistent frontmen.Will he deliver for Pirates this time around? BA on their part bagged exciting midfielder Bruno Hendricks from Young Beauties and according to coach Bobby Samaria, he is the perfect player to make things happen for his side in midfield this season.Hendricks played against Tigers in his first game for the ‘Lively Lions’ at the inauguration of the stadium, and is expected to link with veteran captain Lolo Goraseb in the middle of the park.Samaria said Pirates were always a challenge and the fans would expect them to win.”They will not be happy with any loss.We have to win the match and I am looking forward to a great challenge against Pirates,” he said.He further said his team has so far eyed three prominent players to join the side, but he would not give their names.Pirates spokesperson Wessel Nanuseb said they will play for a win although it is a friendly match.”We have the ammunition.All we need to do is to score goals and I am sure we will be able to do that, especially against BA.That is for sure,” he said.The matches will primarily serve as a fundraiser for the two clubs, who do not have any sponsorship deals at the moment.Nanuseb said the winner will receive a handsome cheque, but could not reveal the figure at this stage.He said there would be lucky draws and other competitions, coupled with music and other activities to add to the fun on the day.