Stars on verge of title victory

THE mission for African Stars is to win the MTC Namibia Premier League tonight, or scramble for it at the weekend.

Losing is not an option when they go into their most crucial match of the season against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the Independence Stadium tonight. Kick-off is 20h00.Similarly, drama is also set to unfold when SKW take on Civics just a few metres away at the SKW Stadium in another league match.But the main focus will be on Stars, as a win will secure them the league title, while a loss will make them wait until the weekend to see the outcome of matches of closest rivals Black Africa and SKW at the same time.In fact, Stars will meet Ramblers at the weekend in a match that can turn out irrelevant if they manage to wrap up the league title tonight. But that is only if they allow the Buccaneers to spoil the party tonight.Stars coach Bobby Samaria and his Stars are not likely going to allow this to happen and will at the same time, put away calculators to work out points and goal differences.The Stars supporters, who have become hugely demanding for results this season, will require nothing other than a win. In their minds, the business should be done tonight and give the side their first post-Independence league title.Despite having one of the largest fan bases, Stars have failed to land the league title and tonight will be their best opportunity to make Pirates pay for all the years they have lost out on it.NOTHING TO LOSEPirates have nothing to lose as they are already out of the title race, but they will fight to better their position on the standings.They will also try to find consolation after their shameful 1-0 loss to bitter rivals Black Africa at the weekend.At the same time, Pirates will aim to halt Stars’ celebrations to cater for an interesting finale of the season at the weekend.It will however turn out interesting if both Stars and SKW drop all three points tonight, with BA out with a chance to snatch it if they win at the weekend and still hope that the two do not do well in their last matches.If Samaria pulls off this one, he will become the most sought-after coach for Stars,as the team has never won the league title since Independence.Black Africa and Blue Waters are joint holders of five league titles each since 1985, while Blue Waters are the third most successful with four titles to their credit to date.Civics are fourth in line with three league titles, while Chief Santos and Orlando Pirates have won it twice each. Tigers (1985), Benfica (1987), Liverpool (2001) have also won it since 1985. corry@namibian.com.na