SKW, Arrows in epic ties

AN epic task of monumental proportions awaits SKW and Eleven Arrows when they meet Ramblers and Black Africa respectively in the coveted FNB Cup semi-finals at the Independence Stadium tomorrow.

Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) and Arrows will go into their encounters as underdogs, giving them edge to perform under less pressure from their fans. Black Africa fans were not entirely happy with a goalless draw last weekend against Ramblers and will demand for a place in the final from their side, which is currently at the top in the premiership with 10 points.BA has gone through a dry spell in terms of collecting cup competitions since 2004 and the FNB Cup is the closest they have come yet, provided they squeeze past a wounded Arrows side.Arrows were taught a lesson in basics when they lost 2-1 to Namibia Premier League (NPL) rookies Fedics United in a league match last weekend.But in cup competitions, things can be different and Arrows can spring a surprise despite the onslaught that they might face from Smithley Engelbrecht’s side.The player to watch for BA is veteran midfield maestro Lolo Goraseb, who had a blinder for his side against Ramblers last weekend.Goraseb finally found his old form and it will be a question of him controlling matters in midfield to give his side the upper hand.Another key player for BA will be the opportunistic striker Jerome Louis, who will be gunning for the goals, provided he gets those quality balls from his midfielders.Arnold Subeb will be expected to guard the goal lines for BA and his experience, great reflexes and instructions to his defenders will prove valuable.Arrows have the ability to do well despite the absence of their dynamic midfielder Rudolph Bester, who earlier this week left for trials in Serbia.Bester could have been the man to inspire his team to a victory, but pressure will be on Robson Haitamba to make an impact upfront for coach Lucky ‘Wire’ Shipanga’s side.Others in the mix for Arrows include Charlie Aoseb who moved from Blue Waters this season, the talented Timoteus Iipinge and Veno Namholo.SKW will look to striker Arend von Stryk, who was not part of the quarter-finals because of injury.It was not clear by late yesterday whether Von Stryk will be in the starting line-up.Goalkeeper Heribert Kapeng, who made two great saves to carry his team into the semi-finals, will be heavily relied on in goal, while in defence, Bobby Kaapama will be the chief to do the cleaning-up.SKW coach Richard Starke will possibly be the happiest of them all if he goes through to the final, as his team has never won a cup competition since joining the elite league last season.SKW were in the last eight during last year’s MTC NFA Cup, but lost out in the first round of the FNB Cup during the same period.Ramblers will be without their talisman Michael Pienaar, who is on national duty, while they will also miss their quick-fire striker Pineas Jacob, who is also on the same mission.Former Tigers captain Nelson Akwenye will be given the role of commanding the midfield, while his clever runs into the box and decisive passes to strikers can also create havoc for SKW.Gregory Horaeb, Bernandine Mbilizi and Erastus Ndjavera are three of the most experienced players for Ramblers and they should have no problem in doing what is required of them.Coaches Tollie van Wyk and David Fransman have achieved a lot for the Pionierspark-based side and their vast knowledge of the game has brought Ramblers where it is today, not forgetting the visionary leadership of their executives led by Harald Hecht.Black Africa face Eleven Arrows at 16h00, before Ramblers take on SKW at 18h00 in matches to be played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow.Black Africa fans were not entirely happy with a goalless draw last weekend against Ramblers and will demand for a place in the final from their side, which is currently at the top in the premiership with 10 points.BA has gone through a dry spell in terms of collecting cup competitions since 2004 and the FNB Cup is the closest they have come yet, provided they squeeze past a wounded Arrows side.Arrows were taught a lesson in basics when they lost 2-1 to Namibia Premier League (NPL) rookies Fedics United in a league match last weekend.But in cup competitions, things can be different and Arrows can spring a surprise despite the onslaught that they might face from Smithley Engelbrecht’s side.The player to watch for BA is veteran midfield maestro Lolo Goraseb, who had a blinder for his side against Ramblers last weekend.Goraseb finally found his old form and it will be a question of him controlling matters in midfield to give his side the upper hand.Another key player for BA will be the opportunistic striker Jerome Louis, who will be gunning for the goals, provided he gets those quality balls from his midfielders.Arnold Subeb will be expected to guard the goal lines for BA and his experience, great reflexes and instructions to his defenders will prove valuable.Arrows have the ability to do well despite the absence of their dynamic midfielder Rudolph Bester, who earlier this week left for trials in Serbia.Bester could have been the man to inspire his team to a victory, but pressure will be on Robson Haitamba to make an impact upfront for coach Lucky ‘Wire’ Shipanga’s side.Others in the mix for Arrows include Charlie Aoseb who moved from Blue Waters this season, the talented Timoteus Iipinge and Veno Namholo.SKW will look to striker Arend von Stryk, who was not part of the quarter-finals because of injury.It was not clear by late yesterday whether Von Stryk will be in the starting line-up.Goalkeeper Heribert Kapeng, who made two great saves to carry his team into the semi-finals, will be heavily relied on in goal, while in defence, Bobby Kaapama will be the chief to do the cleaning-up.SKW coach Richard Starke will possibly be the happiest of them all if he goes through to the final, as his team has never won a cup competition since joining the elite league last season.SKW were in the last eight during last year’s MTC NFA Cup, but lost out in the first round of the FNB Cup during the same period.Ramblers will be without their talisman Michael Pienaar, who is on national duty, while they will also miss their quick-fire striker Pineas Jacob, who is also on the same mission.Former Tigers captain Nelson Akwenye will be given the role of commanding the midfield, while his clever runs into the box and decisive passes to strikers can also create havoc for SKW.Gregory Horaeb, Bernandine Mbilizi and Erastus Ndjavera are three of the most experienced players for Ramblers and they should have no problem in doing what is required of them.Coaches Tollie van Wyk and David Fransman have achieved a lot for the Pionierspark-based side and their vast knowledge of the game has brought Ramblers where it is today, not forgetting the visionary leadership of their executives led by Harald Hecht.Black Africa face Eleven Arrows at 16h00, before Ramblers take on SKW at 18h00 in matches to be played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow.