Tigers to hunt for Rammies

TIGERS and Ramblers will have an equal chance to come away with wins, judging from their strength, when they meet in an MTC Premiership encounter at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tonight. Kick-off is at 20h00.

Although Tigers still have their tails up from their 2-1 win over Oshakati City on Saturday, Ramblers have no choice but to reverse their poor showing after a 5-0 drubbing by Black Africa earlier last week.Both sides have the ability to score goals, but Ramblers will fall if they continue to play their football sideways instead of heading straight to the goal.Tigers can afford to drop points if the worst comes to the worst tonight, but Ramblers will be in bigger trouble as they have not won a single match in their last eight outings.The Pionierspark-based side have a massive five losses and three draws and are now compelled to pick up the needed points.Ramblers coach Lutz Pfaffenstiel, who took over from Tollie van Wyk, midway through the first round, must devise a new strategy tonight, as the one against Black Africa failed miserably to land him his first victory.Ramblers were trailing 1-0 at halftime against BA, but their defence collapsed completely in the second half, allowing four more goals to the disappointment of former club chairman Harald Hecht, who also watched the match.Tonight, Hecht and the new owners, the da Purificacao brothers and a handful of Ramblers supporters, will hope for a win, but that will come at a cost.Tigers are eager to maintain their good run as they are fifth on the log and have won four of their eight matches. They have three draws and have only lost once.Tigers will use their top scorer, Tangeni Shipahu, to navigate his way to the goal, while Ramblers have several offensive players who can launch attacks from the midfield. For tomorrow, a premiership blockbuster is in the offing as table toppers Orlando Pirates meet second-placed African Stars, in what could be the turning point for both sides in this round. This match is set for the same venue and time. Pirates have the ability to upset Stars because of their renewed enthusiasm in their past few matches after surrendering the title to Stars last season.They will be out to prove a point to Stars, who are at their peak at this stage.Stars, spurred on by their massive support, have the ability to turn the tables, but Pirates will be equally strong as they boast with some fine ball players who can find the net at will.Meraai Swartbooi will be the man to watch for Pirates, while Quinton Jacobs will once again be the light that Stars will rely on to take the game to the opposition.Swartbooi has now found his old form and his quick runs into the box and surprise shots from distance can be a factor, while Jacobs’s magic comes naturally when he is in control.corry@namibian.com.na