Stars to test SKW

PREMIERSHIP table-toppers SKW start the new year with an opener against African Stars tomorrow night in a match that could test their stranglehold at the summit, as Stars come fresh from a win at the weekend.

Stars beat Tigers 2-0 to scoop the third spot of the FNB Football Festival that was won by Arrows at the weekend and will aim to maintain that momentum.
Stars, who have three wins from their four matches in the premiership so far, are the only team with two games in hand and are still sitting in a favourable fifth position on the log.
Their league campaign started off well this season with no losses so far. They will aim at bringing down the high-flying SKW side which boasts with 15 points in the kitty from their six matches to date.
Stars coach Bobby Samaria, who showed flashes or brilliance like in his old days on the field of play as he turned out for the FNB Invitational team at the weekend, will give instructions from the sideline instead, with the aim of upsetting the Olympia-based side.
Samaria has fostered a wining mentality in the side, as can be seen by the commitment of the players, after former coach Gilbert Rwasoka trekked to Walvis Bay for Eleven Arrows.
Despite a poor first half against Tigers at the weekend, Stars looked more eager to hit the net and they were handsomely rewarded through goals by the highly talented Edison Muheua and Ikuaterua Tjozongoro.
Stars will surely be among the top four clubs in the mix for championship glory this season, as the financial resources that have come their way from sponsors FNB and businessman Sidney Martin ignited their enthusiasm.
SKW coach Richard Starke will be under pressure to keep the consistency they have been having so far, but his job is certainly going to be a lot easier as he has a side that plays as a unit and leaves little room for flashy dribbling skills.
On Friday, Black Africa take to the field against Hotspurs, a match that new BA coach Tollie van Wyk is set to win.
In other encounters on Saturday, Tigers host Chief Santos at the Khomasdal Stadium, while Civics travel to Eleven Arrows in Walvis Bay.
Mighty Gunners host Oshakati City in Otjiwarongo, while on Sunday, defending champions Orlando Pirates have a date with Ramblers at the Khomasdal Stadium.