Tigers takes on 'mission impossible'
Tigers FC coach Woody Jacobs is adamant that the club still has a fighting chance even when lingering in the relegation zone of the Namibia Premier Football League.
This weekend his team faces two opponents that are far from safety as far as the relegation battle is concerned.
The club travels all the way to Rundu where they will battle Rundu Chiefs and Julinho Athletics in a weekend which can be vital to their survival status in the premier league, with only six matches left to play this season.
“It is a tough and deciding weekend if you ask me, because we are playing against fellow relegation threatened Rundu Chiefs.
“I think Julinho has managed to navigate their way out of danger with the stupendous run they have put together ever since the resumption of the league.
“It’s a big ask for us as a football club given that we will be playing in their own backyard,” Jacobs said.
Tigers have only managed to get six points from a possible 18 points since the league resumed in January.
They are currently seated in second from bottom with 20 points from 24 matches.
Rundu Chiefs are third from bottom, only three points ahead of Tigers on the log.
Rundu Chiefs are three points behind Young African and Okahandja United who hold the two places above the relegation zone, while Khomas Nampol FC are eight points above the team from Rundu.
Mathematically, Tigers and Rundu Chiefs still have a survival chance provided that the teams above them drop points.
On the other hand, Julinho Athletics are 10 points clear of Tigers and are seated in ninth position of the table.
It is for this reason Jacobs hopes his club can pull off a successful weekend in order to give themselves even a fighting chance.
“The scenario means that we have to go on and win all our remaining games for us to stay in the league.
“Some will call it mission impossible, but I say it’s not over until it is over.
“The only thing I will ask from the players and management is to keep calm and not to put ourselves under unnecessary pressure which can work against us,” Jacobs said.
The coach reckons his team is ready and the spirit in the camp remains high even when they are up against the odds.
Tigers have so far only won four of their 24 matches this season, while they have the most defeats of any team (15 matches) so far.
The Katutura giants who are one of the oldest football clubs in the country have also picked up just one point on five occasions.
They find their future hanging in the balance in what could be described as a disturbing season for the football club.
Fans fear that the club could follow the likes of Young Ones, Chelsea, Liverpool, Orlando Pirates and Black Africa as former giants who have all suffered after being relegated from the top flight.
Tigers FC’s fate also does not solely depend on how their own results, but will be influenced by the performances of the other clubs above and below them.
• Full fixtures on page 2.
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