Pirates have to deliver

ORLANDO Pirates will be under the spotlight as their much-talked-about new acquisitions hope to produce the goods in what could be a screamer of a match against bitter rivals Black Africa tonight.

The Sam Nujoma Stadium will be the venue where the drama is set to unfold. Kick-off is at 20h30.The venue is ideal for the demanding fans of the two teams, as most lie near it.Orlando Pirates are expected to show their true colours tonight, as the team has stocked up sufficiently for the new season.They have acquired one of the top coaches in the country in Shepherd Murape, who moved in from Walvis Bay, and the side will also have an added financial infusion from prominent businessman Hendrik Dawids.Dawids, who previously owned Blue Waters, decided to join the Buccaneers on his own accord and pledged to transform the club into a more professional entity.With Dawids and Murape came a host of exciting players from several clubs and their first contribution to the club will be put to the test by Cup Kings Black Africa, who have been rather quiet on the transfer market.Pirates are expected to have a well-oiled midfield in operation in order to dominate matters in that department, while Black Africa will rely on taking every opportunity in front of goal, as they will face a formidable goalie in Athiel Mbaha.Mbaha is one of the Brave Warriors goalkeepers and was outstanding against Ethiopia in Namibia’s qualification to the African Nations Cup this month.The teams had no line-ups confirmed by yesterday, but it is likely that Mbaha will be in goal, despite the presence of regular Harry January and the young Helmuth Maletsky, who also joined from Civics.In midfield, the positions will unfortunately not be up for grabs and Murape will have to employ the right personnel to do the damage against the Lively Lions.Former Civics midfield maestro Rudi Louw is a sure starter and will be alongside Riaan Cloete, who also returned to the side after a short stint with Ramblers last season.BA will look at breaking the combinations of the two stocky players, who are known for their quick dribbling skills and precise passes.Cloete and Louw will also be the centre of attraction on the night as the die-hard supporters will want to see how they can best put Pirates in the driving seat from the first whistle.But one cannot take anything from Black Africa, who possibly have one of the deadliest strikers in the domestic season in Jerome Louis.Louis has been a thorn in the side of many defences last season and finished among the top goal scorers.The experience of midfielder Lolo Goraseb and defender Moses Katjiteo will be valuable on the night.BA have not bought any big names this time around, but insiders believe that they have a side that can surprise.In other encounters, defending champions Civics will open their league campaign against Blue Waters on their home turf in Kuisebmond.Civics head coach Helmuth Scharnowski and his two assistant coaches, Sylvester ‘Seun’ Doeseb and Jorge da Purificacao, will have to employ different tactics this season if they want to keep the league trophy in their cabinet.In fact, Civics were told to keep the current league trophy as the league authorities are set to design another one, which will be contested for this season.For premierships rookies Mighty Gunners and Fedics, who were promoted at the end of last season, it will be a baptism of fire as they have now joined the big boys and need to deliver.Mighty Gunners go up against Tigers at the Mokati Stadium in Otjiwarongo, while Fedics will enjoy home-ground advantage as they take on Ramblers.Ramblers will be expected to start well and maintain their form, as they often fail to keep the momentum at stages when it matters the most.The tie between African Stars and Eleven Arrows will also be a marvel to watch, as the Samba Boys will hope to continue their good form of last season.Arrows also had a good season after they were pulled out of the fire by former Blue Waters livewire Lucky Shipanga.Sport Klub Windhoek will travel north to meet Oshakati City at the Oshakati Independence Stadium.Kick-off is at 20h30.The venue is ideal for the demanding fans of the two teams, as most lie near it.Orlando Pirates are expected to show their true colours tonight, as the team has stocked up sufficiently for the new season.They have acquired one of the top coaches in the country in Shepherd Murape, who moved in from Walvis Bay, and the side will also have an added financial infusion from prominent businessman Hendrik Dawids.Dawids, who previously owned Blue Waters, decided to join the Buccaneers on his own accord and pledged to transform the club into a more professional entity.With Dawids and Murape came a host of exciting players from several clubs and their first contribution to the club will be put to the test by Cup Kings Black Africa, who have been rather quiet on the transfer market.Pirates are expected to have a well-oiled midfield in operation in order to dominate matters in that department, while Black Africa will rely on taking every opportunity in front of goal, as they will face a formidable goalie in Athiel Mbaha.Mbaha is one of the Brave Warriors goalkeepers and was outstanding against Ethiopia in Namibia’s qualification to the African Nations Cup this month.The teams had no line-ups confirmed by yesterday, but it is likely that Mbaha will be in goal, despite the presence of regular Harry January and the young Helmuth Maletsky, who also joined from Civics.In midfield, the positions will unfortunately not be up for grabs and Murape will have to employ the right personnel to do the damage against the Lively Lions.Former Civics midfield maestro Rudi Louw is a sure starter and will be alongside Riaan Cloete, who also returned to the side after a short stint with Ramblers last season.BA will look at breaking the combinations of the two stocky players, who are known for their quick dribbling skills and precise passes.Cloete and Louw will also be the centre of attraction on the night as the die-hard supporters will want to see how they can best put Pirates in the driving seat from the first whistle.But one cannot take anything from Black Africa, who possibly have one of the deadliest strikers in the domestic season in Jerome Louis.Louis has been a thorn in the side of many defences last season and finished among the top goal scorers.The experience of midfielder Lolo Goraseb and defender Moses Katjiteo will be valuable on the night.BA have not bought any big names this time around, but insiders believe that they have a side that can surprise.In other encounters, defending champions Civics will open their league campaign against Blue Waters on their home turf in Kuisebmond.Civics head coach Helmuth Scharnowski and his two assistant coaches, Sylvester ‘Seun’ Doeseb and Jorge da Purificacao, will have to employ different tactics this season if they want to keep the league trophy in their cabinet.In fact, Civics were told to keep the current league trophy as the league authorities are set to design another one, which will be contested for this season.For premierships rookies Mighty Gunners and Fedics, who were promoted at the end of last season, it will be a baptism of fire as they have now joined the big boys and need to deliver.Mighty Gunners go up against Tigers at the Mokati Stadium in Otjiwarongo, while Fedics will enjoy home-ground advantage as they take on Ramblers.Ramblers will be expected to start well and maintain their form, as they often fail to keep the momentum at stages when it matters the most.The tie between African Stars and Eleven Arrows will also be a marvel to watch, as the Samba Boys will hope to continue their good form of last season.Arrows also had a good season after they were pulled out of the fire by former Blue Waters livewire Lucky Shipanga.Sport Klub Windhoek will travel north to meet Oshakati City at the Oshakati Independence Stadium.