Premiership top eight descend on coast
Coaches and teams have laced up their boots and are ready for a weekend of exciting football in the Standard Bank Top Eight Cup in Swakopmund.
The eight teams, all from the top half of the Namibia Premier Football League, have earned their place in the inaugural tournament and will be eager to stake their claim.
The best eight teams in the land will entertain coastal fans in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle among the league’s elite.
Eleven Arrows and African Stars Football Club (FC) will open the tournament on Saturday as they battle for a place in the semi-finals.
Stars, travelling from Windhoek, face Walvis Bay side Eleven Arrows at the Vineta Stadium at 14:00.
Stars go into the clash as favourites following a successful league campaign in which they were crowned champions.
They will, however, be wary of an Arrows side that also enjoyed a strong season.
Arrows’ familiarity with coastal conditions could prove an added advantage.
‘Ready to play like it’s a final’
Stars head coach Agnus Elemu remains confident in his side to deliver on the day.
“I think this tournament will test our mettle in cup football. The good thing is that we have players with pedigree. We are ready to approach every match like a final.
“It is time to put the glorious league season behind us and focus on winning this competition,” said Elemu.
Eleven Arrows qualified as the eighth-placed team at the end of the league season.
The newly promoted side showed resilience throughout the campaign and will be eager to challenge the champions.
The second match on Saturday will see FC Ongos take on King Kauluma (KK) Palace at 16:30.
FC Ongos finished fourth, while KK Palace secured an impressive fifth-place finish in the league.
‘Something to play for’
Ongos head coach Ronnie Kanalelo is optimistic about his team’s chances.
“This is an exciting time for the players because they still have something to play for. We know how Palace plays, and we will be equal to the task.
“The priority is to get the win and progress to the next round,” said Kanalelo.
KK Palace’s Sakaria Kambonde also expressed confidence ahead of the clash.
“The difference between league and cup matches is that in the league you can recover, but in knockout football you cannot. In cup football, you have to do everything to win.
“The players understand that and will use their strengths to get the result,” he said.
Sunday fixtures
Action continues on Sunday with four more teams in contention in Swakopmund. League runners-up Eeshoke Chula Chula will face Mighty Gunners at 14:00.
Gunners come into the tournament after finishing third in the league. Chula Chula, meanwhile, will be determined to assert themselves as one of the top sides this season.
“Chula Chula is a team that enjoys playing football, and we will go to Swakopmund aiming to get the job done,” head coach John Sikerete told Sport Wrap yesterday.
“We know Mighty Gunners are a strong side, but we will not be a walkover. Like all the teams in this competition, we want to qualify for the next round.”
The final match of the weekend will see coastal giants Blue Waters take on Unam FC at 16:30. Blue Waters recovered from a slow start to finish sixth in the premiership, while Unam placed seventh. The two sides will battle for the final semi-final spot.
‘Our presence will be felt’
Unam head coach Robert Nauseb is confident his side can progress.
“We have prepared well for this tournament and hope to advance to the next stage. Every team is fighting for the prize, and our presence will be felt.
“We have a young squad that is determined to win, and we are ready for the challenge,” said Nauseb.
Spoils of victory
Standard Bank Namibia earlier confirmed a total sponsorship of N$2.5 million, underlining its commitment to football development in the country.
The champions will pocket N$600 000, while the runners-up will receive N$300 000.
Losing semi-finalists will each earn N$100 000, and all participating teams will receive a N$50 000 preparation grant.
Individual honours will include Player of the Match awards, as well as Player of the Tournament, Top Goalscorer and Best Goalkeeper.
– jesse@nsh.com.na
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