Pirates wary of Stars

ORLANDO Pirates have a chance to reclaim the top spot in the MTC Namibia Premier League when they take on African Stars at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tonight.

The match was originally scheduled to take place at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium, but a double booking resulted in the match being shifted to the Sam Nujoma Stadium. Pirates will have to beat Stars to reclaim the top spot, since they lie two points behind Black Africa, who beat Civics 1-0 on Wednesday night.But Pirates’ coach Shepherd Murape said it will not be easy, especially since the team is missing four of its top players.Goalkeeper Athiel Mbaha, defender Richard Gariseb, midfielder Rudi Louw and striker Patrick Jagger are all on national duty with the Brave Warrriors and according to Murape, he only has 16 players to select his starting line-up from.”These players will be difficult to replace, but it could also be a blessing in disguise since it gives new players a chance to show their worth,” he said.Murape, however, acknowledged that Stars would provide stiff competition.”I watched them play in the FNB Cup last weekend and was impressed by their positive play.They looked strong going forward and are a very dangerous team, not to be underestimated,” he said.RAMBLERS LOOKING STRONG Another team that have a chance to take over the lead is Ramblers, who take on Mighty Gunners in Otjiwarongo.Ramblers were in fine form last weekend when they beat Pirates in the FNB Cup to reach the semi-finals, but coach Dave Fransman said that they were determined not to underestimate Gunners.”We told our players to forget about the FNB Cup and to take each match as it comes.We are now focused on beating Mighty Gunners and will not underestimate them,” he said.The Gunners have struggled in the league and are currently second last, but they stunned Civics in the FNB Cup as fortnight ago and will be determined to recapture that form.Cymot SKW host Eleven Arrows in Windhoek at 18h00 tomorrow in a match that could go either way.Arrows have shown fine away form this season, but SKW are one of only three unbeaten teams in the league.A victory for either team will put them right up amongst the log leaders.Tigers will be hoping for a change of fortunes when they host Oshakati City at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow afternoon.Tigers are eighth on the log with two points from three matches, and have struggled to replace their quartet Nelson Akwenye, Jeremia Baisako, Pinias Jacob and Manne Martin who joined Ramblers.But they will face tough opponents in Oshakati City, who will be keen to recapture their form of last season which saw them finishing as runners-up to Civics.APS Blue Waters host Fedics at 18h00 at the Kuisebmond Stadium on Saturday and should be favoured to win the match.Fedics have yet to pick up a point and are lying at the bottom of the log, but Blue Waters are also going through a difficult time, and are currently lying 10th with only one point from three matches.www.namibiasport.com.naPirates will have to beat Stars to reclaim the top spot, since they lie two points behind Black Africa, who beat Civics 1-0 on Wednesday night.But Pirates’ coach Shepherd Murape said it will not be easy, especially since the team is missing four of its top players.Goalkeeper Athiel Mbaha, defender Richard Gariseb, midfielder Rudi Louw and striker Patrick Jagger are all on national duty with the Brave Warrriors and according to Murape, he only has 16 players to select his starting line-up from.”These players will be difficult to replace, but it could also be a blessing in disguise since it gives new players a chance to show their worth,” he said.Murape, however, acknowledged that Stars would provide stiff competition.”I watched them play in the FNB Cup last weekend and was impressed by their positive play.They looked strong going forward and are a very dangerous team, not to be underestimated,” he said.RAMBLERS LOOKING STRONG Another team that have a chance to take over the lead is Ramblers, who take on Mighty Gunners in Otjiwarongo.Ramblers were in fine form last weekend when they beat Pirates in the FNB Cup to reach the semi-finals, but coach Dave Fransman said that they were determined not to underestimate Gunners.”We told our players to forget about the FNB Cup and to take each match as it comes.We are now focused on beating Mighty Gunners and will not underestimate them,” he said.The Gunners have struggled in the league and are currently second last, but they stunned Civics in the FNB Cup as fortnight ago and will be determined to recapture that form.Cymot SKW host Eleven Arrows in Windhoek at 18h00 tomorrow in a match that could go either way.Arrows have shown fine away form this season, but SKW are one of only three unbeaten teams in the league.A victory for either team will put them right up amongst the log leaders.Tigers will be hoping for a change of fortunes when they host Oshakati City at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow afternoon.Tigers are eighth on the log with two points from three matches, and have struggled to replace their quartet Nelson Akwenye, Jeremia Baisako, Pinias Jacob and Manne Martin who joined Ramblers.But they will face tough opponents in Oshakati City, who will be keen to recapture their form of last season which saw them finishing as runners-up to Civics.APS Blue Waters host Fedics at 18h00 at the Kuisebmond Stadium on Saturday and should be favoured to win the match.Fedics have yet to pick up a point and are lying at the bottom of the log, but Blue Waters are also going through a difficult time, and are currently lying 10th with only one point from three matches.www.namibiasport.com.na