Civics Not Panicking – Akan

Sheefeni Nikodemus

20 May 2011

Relegation-threatened Civicss coach Ali Akan said his side are not pushing panic buttons ahead of their crucial relegation battle against Mighty Gunners tomorrow.

Akan said his team has the required arsenal and mentality to beat the drop. Civics play away to Mighty Gunners at the Paresis Showgrounds stadium, needing only a point to secure premier league football for next season.

The one-time title contenders have been in free-fall since the turn of the year and now find themselves just two points above the remaining relegation spot currently occupied by Blue Boys.

Bottom club Oshakati City, who host Tigers at the Uukwangula Stadium, were relegated last weekend.

Civics are in tenth position, on 26 points and trail Mighty Gunners on goal difference.

A draw would suit both sides as the onus is on Blue Boys to get maximum points when they take on the dethroned African Stars.

Akan believes his “mistakes” are to blame for the club’s current predicament.

“We are not panicking,” Akan told The Namibian Sport yesterday. “We are strong enough.”

The controversial coach had reportedly threatened to boycott tomorrow’s game in retaliation for the delayed verdict in Civics’ outstanding dispute against Orlando Pirates.

Acting NPL CEO Tovey Hoëbeb said the dispute would be put to bed early next week.

“We will honour our game at Mighty Gunners,” Akan said. “We don’t know what is the delay. We have to fight for the points on the field.”

Blue Boys head coach Betuel Rasta Mbuende is confident that his charges will rise to the occasion and that they will play positively against African Stars at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow.

Mbuende’s boys will be up against last season’s champions, who still have the consolation of finishing third within their sights.

“The best way to defend is to play attacking football, and we will attack from defence and midfield,” the coach was quoted as saying by Nampa on Wednesday.

Seventh on the log Eleven Arrows are at home to SKW, while champions Black Africa will look to end on a high by defeating Blue Waters at the Independence Stadium.

Second meets third when Ramblers welcome Orlando Pirates, who were awarded three points for their abandoned match against Blue Boys on March 19.

AllAfrica – All the Time