Namibia: BA, Stars Meet in Title Decider

Sheefeni Nikodemus

1 April 2011

TONIGHT log leaders Black Africa will look to kill off any hopes African Stars have of retaining their league title in what is arguably the biggest game of the season.

BA are nine points clear of African Stars, who are fourth, with just five matches remaining, and have been in impressive form since the turn of the year. The title hopefuls will hope to extend that lead with victory over the champions.

Both sides enjoy a vociferous and colourful following and the match at Sam Nujoma Stadium is expected to be a feisty affair, as both sets of players would like to impress.

The presence of international football household names – former South African striker Phil Masinga, ex-German internationals Sean Dundee and Carsten Ramelow, Zimbabwean legend Peter Ndlovu, former Denmark midfield hard-man Stig Tofting and Nigeria’s Sunday Oliseh – is expected to further illuminate the occasion.

An added incentive for either side to perform is the announcement by FNB Namibia that the MTC Premiership winner is to get an additional N$150 000 to go with their million-dollar top prize.

BA captain Hartman Toromba earlier in the week confidently said his team was the real deal, and deserved their place at the top of domestic football.

His counterpart Andrew Tjahikika had already conceded that the league title was out of reach, however much depends on which team shows up the more determined for victory.

Second-placed Ramblers have a daunting fixture away to Eleven Arrows tomorrow, with Orlando Pirates in third also facing a dicey game at Oshakati City.

Fifth placed Civics and SKW directly below them played out a drab goalless draw on Wednesday night that leaves both sides on 24 points, 10 behind BA.

Tigers, who have a game in hand and still harbour hopes of winning the illusive trophy, are at home Blue Waters.

In the relegation dogfight, coastal side Blue Boys travel to Otjiwarongo to play second from bottom Mighty Gunners.

A victory for Blue Boys makes life slightly more comfortable while Mighty Gunners would leapfrog their opponents should they win.

Full NPL fixtures:

Saturday, April 2

Mighty Gunners v Blue Boys, 15h00, Paresis Show Grounds Stadium

Oshakati City v Orlando Pirates, 15h00 Uukwangula Stadium

Eleven Arrows v Ramblers, 15h00, Kuisebmond Stadium

Tigers v Blue Waters, 17h00, Sam Nujoma Stadium

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