AFRICAN Stars require nine points from their remaining four fixtures to capture a third MTC Namibia Premier League title at the expense of record national championship winners Black Africa.
Starlile reignited their title push when edging Civics 1-0 on Friday, recording a first win in four matches to allay fears of slipping down at the final hurdle and allowing the Lively Lions, who are in hot pursuit, to pounce.
The hard-fought victory over Civics put Stars on 55 points, which is seven more than BA in second, and a further 12 ahead of third-placed reigning champions Tigers, who recovered from a first half season slump to factor in the honours run-in.
With BA, who have a match in hand, dropping two points following a 1-1 draw against Young African on Saturday, Stars could theoretically wrap up the title this weekend, should results go their way.
Should BA win their remaining fixtures, they will amass 63 points, a total which Stars can surpass with three wins, whereas Tigers in third can only reach 58 points.
Stars head coach Bobby Samaria, who led the club to two back-to-back NPL titles in 2009 and 2010, could not hide his delight following a nervy display against relegation-threatened Civics.
Panduleni Nekundi got the winning goal on 51 minutes, shortly after coming on as a substitute.
“We needed to grind this result out, and I’m happy that we managed to do that,” said Samaria, before adding “I think this title is ours to lose,” when asked about his side’s ambition.
He believes the slump is over, and that his charges can see out the remainder of the season and capture their third NPL crown.
Stars play Tura Magic and Tigers on Saturday and Sunday, while Black Africa face Blue Waters and Eleven Arrows at Walvis Bay.
“When you’re on top and drop a couple of points, then people count the games you did not win. For us, that is water under the bridge. Civics was a very difficult opponent, take nothing away from them, but luckily we pulled through,” Samaria noted.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates’ relegation worries deepened when they drew 1-1 in a must-win game against Life Fighters on Saturday.
Pirates are just two points above the last relegation spot, currently occupied by Young Chiefs, who beat bottom club Chief Santos 2-0 to tally 27 points as they bid to avoid the drop, while Rundu Chiefs were thrashed 4-1 by Mighty Gunners to remain in the scrap for survival.
Elsewhere, mid-table dwellers Blue Waters and Eleven Arrows drew 1-1.
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