Pirates, Stars in epic clash

A COLOSSAL encounter is at hand when Orlando Pirates and African Stars meet in possibly the biggest clash in the MTC Premiership first round at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tonight. Kick-off is at 20h00.

The two sides have a little in common and the most obvious scenario is their current unbeaten run in the league after eight matches each.Despite Pirates leading the log on 20 points at the moment, Stars are sitting pretty in second spot on 18.The Pirates strikers have been more accurate as they have fired home a whopping 19 goals past their opposition, compared to Stars who have pocketed only 11 to date, largely due to their inability to convert the numerous chances that are created by their industrious midfielders, while the lack of an all-out striker remains their biggest headache.But Stars have a much better defensive record as they have only conceded three goals, compared to Pirates who allowed the opposition to score nine.But the commonality of the two sides is found in their management styles and the personnel they have at their disposal.What they also have in common is the fact that Stars coach Bobby Samaria was a former player for Black Africa, just like his opponent Dawid Snewe.Both used to torment the defence of opposing sides and they have both worked their way up the coaching ladder after hanging up their boots.Samaria won the league in his first season when he wrested it in uncompromising style from Pirates who were the defending champions and Snewe, on his part, captured the Cell One NFA Cup in the same season, the biggest domestic cup competition in the country.In fact, Stars walked away with N$400 000 for winning the league, a hundred thousand dollars less than Pirates which won the cup competition.When it comes to their players, Stars now boast with the most accomplished midfielder in domestic football in Quinton Jacobs, while Pirates has their pocket size rocket in Meraai Swartbooi.Interestingly, Jacobs played for Pirates last season, but that should not deter the Katutura giants from giving in as they have enough manpower to deal with him.Pirates have Klaas Blom as their star player who can spring a surprise with his skilful dribbling on any day, while Stars will show off with Rudi Louw as their man to do the trickery and cause the havoc for the Buccaneers.When it comes to workhorses who can change the complexion of the game, Stars will rely on Ninja Karongee, but Pirates can count on Johannes Seibeb to do just that.The two defences are solid on any given day, with Stars skipper Andrew Tjahikika well aware of the dangers of the Pirates strikers, while at the same time, Eric Aoseb will be the last man standing in defence for Pirates.The match will have all the ingredients of a derby, but in simple terms, it will serve as a yardstick for either side’s prowess of strikers, superiority of midfielders and the reliability of defenders, while the goalkeepers must be extra cautious as this is no ordinary match. Spectators to this match better come early not to miss the scintillating action that awaits them.It will be a match that will be played at a high tempo and the two coaches better put their best men forward in the starting line-up and not leave it too late, as both teams can pounce on any small chance that presents itself.In other matches tomorrow, Oshakati City meet Eleven Arrows at the Uukwangula Stadium in the north at 16h00, while SKW take on United Stars in Windhoek at 16h00 at their home venue. Black Africa host Blue Waters at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday at 20h00.corry@namibian.com.na