Stars, Pirates under pressure

ORLANDO Pirates and African Stars will be under pressure from their demanding supporters as they are set to face tricky opponents when the semi-final ties of the MTC NFA Cup take place at Walvis Bay on Saturday.

Pirates, who are current defending champions, face Ramblers in the second semi-final of the day, while African Stars go up against Mighty Gunners in the first match of the day, with all matches at the Kuisebmond Stadium. Pirates need to prove to their thousands of fanatics that they can retain the trophy of the biggest financial rewarding tournament in the country, while Stars cannot afford to fall against first-division side Gunners.For Stars, it will be a matter of pride, while Pirates would aim at restoring some credibility by marching into the final after a poor spell in the domestic league this season.Pirates, who are fourth from the bottom in the league of 12 premiership teams, are not yet safe from the relegation zone and currently have 23 points from their 19 matches.Despite Pirates’ ambitions of defending their title, they are faced with a major threat in Ramblers, who have the ability to spoil their party.Ramblers, which will be led by their influential captain Michael Pienaar, will be the underdogs in this one, but have to present themselves as serious challengers to the throne, as Pirates are also capable of causing an upset.Ramblers have won the competition once under the guidance of Tollie van Wyk and David Fransman.The two coaches have some quality players in their side, but at times the team fail to deliver when it matters, and are also unpredictable in their play.In 2005, Ramblers won the MTC Cup for the first time with the aid Brave Warriors midfielder Quinton Jacobs, who now plays professional football in Norway, but on Saturday, that role will be the responsibility of the sensational Riaan Cloete.Cloete will meet his former team-mates in what could turn out to be an important match for him as he will be the key man in midfield.He will be expected to provide quality balls to his forwards, including Costa Khaiseb and Bradley Wermann.Both strikers can prove dangerous for the Pirates defence and it will be key for Pirates goalkeeper Harry Januarie to be in good shape.Other Ramblers players who will pose a danger to Pirates are midfielders Victor Helu, Gerry Keister and Charles Hindjou.Pirates can rely on their ever-present captain and defender, Ivan Namaseb, Klaas Blom and Patrick Jagger will also have a huge responsibility.The two midfielders combine perfectly well and most of their build-up to the font causes havoc for opposing teams.Pirates striker Wilfred Coetzee needs to put on his scoring boots after his poor form in the league, while his striking partner Ettiene Beukes has to prove that he is no fluke as he also plays for the Brave Warriors.A fall of either teams at the semi-final hurdle will be a big blow to their attempts to grab the fat purse of N$350 000 as winners in the final.For Stars, it will be a question of standing up and being counted, as they have not won a major tournament in many years now.Stars have the second best defence in the country after Civics, as they have only conceded 15 goals in total, compared to Civics who only allowed nine goals past them.Oshakati City, who are in second spot, have conceded 22, while Ramblers have let in 19 goals.Stars have the chance to proceed to the final, while on their part, Gunners will be presented with the chance of becoming the first first-division side to compete in the final of the MTC Cup.The first match starts at 14h00 and tickets cost N$10 per person.Pirates need to prove to their thousands of fanatics that they can retain the trophy of the biggest financial rewarding tournament in the country, while Stars cannot afford to fall against first-division side Gunners.For Stars, it will be a matter of pride, while Pirates would aim at restoring some credibility by marching into the final after a poor spell in the domestic league this season.Pirates, who are fourth from the bottom in the league of 12 premiership teams, are not yet safe from the relegation zone and currently have 23 points from their 19 matches.Despite Pirates’ ambitions of defending their title, they are faced with a major threat in Ramblers, who have the ability to spoil their party.Ramblers, which will be led by their influential captain Michael Pienaar, will be the underdogs in this one, but have to present themselves as serious challengers to the throne, as Pirates are also capable of causing an upset.Ramblers have won the competition once under the guidance of Tollie van Wyk and David Fransman.The two coaches have some quality players in their side, but at times the team fail to deliver when it matters, and are also unpredictable in their play.In 2005, Ramblers won the MTC Cup for the first time with the aid Brave Warriors midfielder Quinton Jacobs, who now plays professional football in Norway, but on Saturday, that role will be the responsibility of the sensational Riaan Cloete.Cloete will meet his former team-mates in what could turn out to be an important match for him as he will be the key man in midfield.He will be expected to provide quality balls to his forwards, including Costa Khaiseb and Bradley Wermann.Both strikers can prove dangerous for the Pirates defence and it will be key for Pirates goalkeeper Harry Januarie to be in good shape.Other Ramblers players who will pose a danger to Pirates are midfielders Victor Helu, Gerry Keister and Charles Hindjou.Pirates can rely on their ever-present captain and defender, Ivan Namaseb, Klaas Blom and Patrick Jagger will also have a huge responsibility.The two midfielders combine perfectly well and most of their build-up to the font causes havoc for opposing teams.Pirates striker Wilfred Coetzee needs to put on his scoring boots after his poor form in the league, while his striking partner Ettiene Beukes has to prove that he is no fluke as he also plays for the Brave Warriors.A fall of either teams at the semi-final hurdle will be a big blow to their attempts to grab the fat purse of N$350 000 as winners in the final.For Stars, it will be a question of standing up and being counted, as they have not won a major tournament in many years now.Stars have the second best defence in the country after Civics, as they have only conceded 15 goals in total, compared to Civics who only allowed nine goals past them.Oshakati City, who are in second spot, have conceded 22, while Ramblers have let in 19 goals.Stars have the chance to proceed to the final, while on their part, Gunners will be presented with the chance of becoming the first first-division side to compete in the final of the MTC Cup.The first match starts at 14h00 and tickets cost N$10 per person.