21 April 2008
Windhoek — The race for the MTC Namibia Premier League title was thrown wide open again with some surprising results over the weekend.
Orlando Pirates thrashed African Stars 6-0 to move up to third position on the log, while the top two teams both stumbled. Ramblers were held to a 1-all draw by Mighty Gunners, while Cymot SKW lost 1-0 away to Eleven Arrows.
Oshakati City beat Tigers 1-0 at home while the bottom two clubs, Fedics United and Blue Waters battled out for a 1-all draw in Keetmanshoop. It is now extremely tight at the top of the log with only three points separating the top three teams.
SUPERB PIRATES THRASH STARS Pirates were in superb form as they outplayed Stars from the start in front of a packed Khomasdal Stadium. Johannes Seibeb opened the scoring with a cracking 30m shot on nine minutes, and although Stars had their chances, notably through Brouwers Litombo and Silver Suriyari, it was Pirates who went 2-0 ahead just before halftime.
Stars' keeper Ecresol Kongoro failed to control a high ball and Riaan Cloete stabbed the loose ball into the net. The second half had barely started before Steven Maposa made it 3-0 with a cracking shot.
Pirates were all over Stars and when Riaan Cloete was pulled back in the box by Kanu Kandorozu, referee Arvo Shifeta immediately pointed to the spot. Kongoro did well to save Johannes Seibeb's shot, but it didn't stop Pirates' onslaught. A shot by Andrew Tjahikika from a corner was cleared off the line and Pirates immediately counter-attacked.
When Kongoro failed to hold a cross, Riaan Cloete pounced to put Pirates 4-0 up. Cloete completed his hattrick after a great run by Edian Beukes put him clear, while Klaas Blom finished the scoring with a great solo goal, dribbling through Stars' defence to beat Kongoro from close range. It was a stunning victory that left Pirates' fans singing in delight, and put them right back in contention for the league title.
RAMBLERS STUMBLE Log leaders Ramblers stumbled to an unconvincing 1-all draw at home to Mighty Gunners. Bradley Wermann put Ramblers ahead when he stabbed in a cross by John Samson, midway through the first half. Gunners keeper Edwin Narib pulled off a great save from Pineas Jacob, while at the other end, Ramblers defender Luther Kanalelo cleared a shot from a corner off the line. With Percy Khairabeb and Sageus Narimab in fine form, more chances came Gunners' way after the break and Edward Damaseb finally found the equaliser when he stabbed in a cross into the box in the 63rd minute.
It was a great result for Gunners, but Ramblers now appear to be cracking under the pressure after dropping five points in their last two matches. Cymot SKW's challenge was also jolted as they lost 1-0 to Eleven Arrows in Walvis Bay.
Reinhold Andimba scored the winning goal midway through the second half. Oshakati City moved further clear of the relegation zone after beating Tigers 1-0, while relegation contenders Fedics United and Blue Waters shared the spoils in Keetmanshoop.
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