CYMOT SKW have a chance to go top of the log when they take on Civics in an MTC Premiership Round 7 match at the Independence Stadium tonight.
SKW are currently in third place, but a win will put them level on points with log leaders Ramblers, and if they score at least three goals they will go on top on goal difference. SKW have been in great form so far this season, winning three, drawing two and losing only one match to date. Last weekend they beat Blue Waters 2-1 after a great individual goal by midfielder Milton Chapo and a header by defender Ivan Bloom. With their young national midfielders Gustav Isaack and Larry Horaeb, defender Jeremia Baisako and striker Alfred Ndyenge all in fine form, they should start the match as favourites. SKW however suffered a big blow on Wednesday evening when their exciting winger Garren Smith was injured in a friendly match against Ramblers. Smith injured his knee after a tough challenge by Ramblers defender Erastus Ndjavera and although he will only have a medical examination by Monday, it is feared that he has torn the cruciate ligaments in his left knee, which will put him out of action for at least six months. It is a cruel blow for the talented Smith, who had just returned to playing after a pre-season injury saw him missing the start of the season.Smith’s injury will put a dampener on the mood in the SKW camp, but they will draw heart from the fact that they completely outplayed the log leaders in Wednesday’s friendly. SKW were leading 5-0 midway through the second half when the players left the field, protesting against the rough play by Ramblers’ players. At that stage Smith had already scored two goals, while Panduleni Nekundi scored another brace and Robby Echelmeyer one goal. SKW coach Ralph Beiter said they would not underestimate Civics but admitted that they expected a victory. ‘The spirit in the camp is very high and the squad is clicking nicely together now. We feel confident that we can win the match, but we will not take anything for granted because any team can be beaten on any given day in this league,’ he said. Civics have had a poor start to the season and are currently eighth on the log with only two victories from six matches. They lost a lot of their top players to other teams this season and had to rebuild with a new squad and coach in the experienced Ali Akan, but he will be under pressure to start delivering the goods.Ramblers meanwhile will host another team that is under pressure, Eleven Arrows at the Windhoek Independence Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Arrows have had a poor start, winning only one of their first five matches and are currently hovering above the relegation zone in 10th position. They will be desperate for a win after only picking up one point in their last three matches, although two of those matches were away from home. In other matches tomorrow, Orlando Pirates host Oshakati City at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 17h00; Blue Boys host Mighty Gunners at the Tamariskia Stadium in Swakopmund at 15h00; and Blue Waters host Tigers at the Kuisebmond Stadium in Walvis Bay at 15h00.- namibiasport.com.na
