Dolam-based outfit Orlando Pirates head coach Woody Jacobs has admitted that facing log leaders African Stars in tomorrow’s Debmarine Premiership clash will not be an easy task, but they remain ready and well prepared to gun for maximum points.
Stars will host Pirates at the SKW stadium in the capital, where the runaway table-toppers will be seeking to further maintain their stronghold on proceedings atop the log table. Pirates, on the other hand, will equally be looking to collect maximum points to further revitalise their campaign.
“It’s going to be a tough match against the league leaders because they have been in great shape, and they have shown their ability to win matches even under difficult circumstances. But we have prepared well for them and will give our level best. We have done enough to prepare. I believe we have what it takes to stop them, despite their strong form,” warned Jacobs.
Meanwhile, Stars coach Mervin Mbakera stated that tomorrow’s match will be an open opportunity for both teams to emerge victorious, but only the team that wants it the most will take it. He reiterated that their ultimate goal is to win the league, and they will do what it takes to achieve that goal.
“We are well prepared as a team and remain ready to stand by our philosophy of football since the beginning of the league. Our goal is to always get good results after every 90 minutes, and that will be the plan tomorrow. However, a derby game against Pirates is always different and has a unique atmosphere, so we need to remain focused on what we want to achieve,” he said.
“At Stars, we have made it clear from the outset that our goal is to win the league, and we are sticking with that. So, despite this being one of our toughest matches, we will still go out there and seek maximum points.”
After tomorrow’s clash, Stars will then host Tigers in another crucial clash on Sunday at the same venue, while Pirates will on Sunday travel to Karasburg to face Young Brazilians at that town’s stadium.
In other action tomorrow, Life Fighters will face Blue Waters at Mokati stadium in Otjiwarongo, while Julinho Sporting will confront Eleven Arrows at the Rundu sports stadium. Young Brazilians will tomorrow host Tigers at Karasburg stadium, and Young African will be at home against struggling Citizen at the Legare stadium.
Tura Magic will tomorrow square off against Okahandja United at the Khomasdal stadium, while Unam will be in action against Mighty Gunners at the same venue.
On Sunday, Life Fighters will again be in action against another coastal side Eleven Arrows at the Mokati stadium, while Blue Waters will play Julinho Sporting at the Rundu Stadium.
Young Brazilians will host Orlando Pirates at the Karasburg stadium, and Young African will be at home at the Legare stadium against Civics.
Tura Magic will face Mighty Gunners at the Unam stadium, and Unam will wrap up the weekend fixtures against Okahandja United at the same venue.
- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na