The highlight of the Debmarine Namibia Premiership this weekend will be the much-anticipated Otjiwarongo derby between crosstown rivals Life Fighters and Mighty Gunners at the Mokati stadium tomorrow.
It will be a derby of convenience as far as the upcoming round of matches is concerned, with Fighters gunning to remain within the top four on the log table, while Gunners, on the other hand, are also seeking to bolster their campaign with a win.
But over and above the race for the league’s palm position, both teams will also be playing for bragging rights in one of the town’s biggest and traditional fierce battles for supremacy and legitimacy.
Gunners’ gaffer Gebhardt Hengari admitted that it will be one of their biggest contests this season and an important one because both teams will be battling for dominance –in the context of the league race as well as who will be the ‘king of Otjiwarongo’.
“This is just not any ordinary league game; it’s a generational derby and you know what a derby means to the fans and the people who live in the town of Otjiwarongo. Both teams will have a lot to play for as we will be fighting for bragging rights and for league points at the same time,” said Hengari.
“Fighters are a very strong team and one should always be careful when playing against them. So, we will be ready and I’m happy with how preparations had done during the week. Our boys will go all out and do what they do best,” he added.
In terms of injuries, Hengari said his options are well boosted by a clean injury sheet as he plans to throw the entire kitchen sink at Fighters.
“The team is in good spirit and the mood in the camp is exciting. All our players are looking forward to Saturday’s match. We have all our players available and no one has so far been ruled out for this match. So, we expect to have a great encounter.”
On his part, Fighters’ Terry Ujamba said they will do the talking on the pitch as it is a big derby and players are always naturally ready for matches of such magnitude.
“We are aware of how big this game is, but we will take it as it comes. It’s all about the bragging rights at the end of the day, because whoever takes the maximum points on Saturday will be in a great position to claim the town. But our team is confident that we will go out there and get the much-needed points against Gunners,” said Ujamba.
In other matches tomorrow, high-flying Julinho Sporting will take on Okahandja United at the Rundu sports stadium, while Tura Magic will square off against Civics at the Unam stadium. Unam will take on Citizens at the Unam stadium, while Young Brazilians will play coastal outfit Blue Waters.
On Sunday, Fighters will be back in action on home turf to face Okahandja United at the Mokati Stadium, while Julinho Sporting take on Gunners in Rundu.
Young Brazilians will welcome Eleven Arrows at the Karasburg stadium, while Tura Magic will face Citizens at Unam stadium. Young African will be in action against Tigers at the Khomasdal stadium, while Unam will wrap up the weekend fixtures against Civics.
Pirates edge Young African
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates boosted their league campaign with a well-deserved 2-0 win over Gobabis-based club Young African during their mid-week clash at the Khomasdal stadium. Pirates were set to face Black Africa this Sunday for their Katutura derby but the match has been postponed due to unavailable suitable venues.
- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na
Caption: Gunners jpg –