SKW extend lead at top

SPORT Klub Windhoek (SKW) moved five points clear at the summit of the MTC Namibia Premier League through a slim 1-0 win over Oshakati City, after closest rivals Civics and African Stars failed to collect maximum points at the weekend.

The slim victory over the visiting City side underlined the serious ambitions of SKW to claim their first ever league title in post-independent Namibia, after maintaining a consistent but determined run in the season to date.SKW now have 42 points from their 17 outings, with Stars stuck in second spot with 37 points and a game in hand, followed by Civics who remain third on 35.Stars suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to premiership rookies Hotspurs on Saturday, while Civics failed to find the net in their 0-all draw against Ramblers last Wednesday.The results of the two teams are a huge boost for the Olympia-based SKW, who have not dropped a point in their last four matches, while it serves as a confidence booster for the players with only five matches to go.In other results on Saturday, Eleven Arrows managed to get away with a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Chief Santos at the Kuisebmond Stadium in Walvis Bay, while Orlando Pirates were pressed to a 2-all draw by Mighty Gunners.Despite the draw, Gunners will revert back to the first division after they managed to claim a mere four points from their 17 matches, while Pirates have virtually lost the race to retain their title this time around. Pirates are 13 points adrift from leaders SKW.TIGERS FALL AGAIN On Friday, Tigers were handed another defeat, this time by cross-town rivals Black Africa, when they went down 2-0 in Windhoek.The result poses a potential danger for ‘Ingweinyama’ if they don’t win at least three of their remaining five matches. Tigers, currently under former player Page Ananias and Rusten Mogane, stand on 15 points in tenth spot, with Santos 11th with six, while Gunners are at the base of the table.SKW scored through a header by Jacky Stephanus in their win, while Arrows had Sebastian Matende to thank for their victory on home turf.Arrows keeper Virgil Vries kept out a penalty by Nelson Geingob to keep his side afloat and to eventually win the tie against a side that showed some nerve despite their poor league run.Arrows are now fifth on the log with 31 points and their title hopes appear to be somewhat distant, as there are too many competitive sides in their way to the first spot.For Hotspurs, the ever present and rather clinical Edward Asino did the job for his side to sink Stars with two goals in the second half, while Rudi Louw converted a penalty.Black Africa and possibly Namibia’s top goal-getter at the moment, Jerome Louis, scored the opener for his side, before Danny Chilufya added the second to beat Tigers, whose many attempts at goal were kept at bay by BA goalie Arnold Subeb.League action continues from this Thursday again.corry@namibian.com.na