Jacobs rallies the Pirates supporters
Facing Khomas Nampol tonight
Following a coaching stint in Botswana, Woody Jacobs returns to the NPL and has set about strengthening his struggling squad.
Orlando Pirates and Khomas Nampol FC are set to battle today at 19:00 as the Debmarine Namibia Premier League resumes at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.Orlando Pirates coach Woody Jacobs is pleading with the supporters to come in their numbers as the Buccaneers take on the highly-flying, second-placed Khomas Nampol.
Jacobs who returned for another stint at the club after the end of the first round of the current season, is adamant that Orlando Pirates is capable of rising again following a disasterous first round which sees them at the bottom of the log and battling the threat of relegation.
Jacobs, who until recently coached Matabele FC in Botswana, said: “My biggest plea is to ask the supporters of Orlando Pirates to come in their numbers.
“It is about time we forget any differences and stand behind the team as we – the players and coaching staff – try our best to revive the fortunes.
“The players and coaches can do their job, but it is also very important to have supporters behind the team,” Jacobs said.
Orlando Pirates goes into the match having lost eleven of their 15 matches in the first round.
Once considered a one of Katutura’s most prestigeous clubs, the Buccaneers have looked nothing but a shadow of their former selves so far.
The last time the two teams met, Khomas Nampol trounced Pirates 4-0 in one of the eye-catching results of the current season so far.
“We are facing a team that has been riding on a wave of confidence.
“Coach Fortune Eichab has managed to assemble a good team with proper players.
“All I can tell you is that we are going to do our utmost best to turn things around this time,” Jacobs added.
Orlando Pirates have recently acquired Ghanaian midfielder Kofi Awoonor to its books, according to reports. The 22-year-old joined from Montenegro’s club FK Decic Tuzi and has also previously played for Wydad Fes in Morocco.
Pirates has also picked up Promise Gurirab at the end of January after the left-back had been released by Blue Waters a few days before.
Jacobs also acquired Patience Gaseb from Mighty Gunners for the remainder of the season.
NAMPOL TO AVOID COMPLACENCY
Khomas Nampol coach Fortune Eichab insists that Orlando Pirates will not be as easy as many people think they will be.
The Police team have been fluctuating in first, second and third position with FC Ongos and defending champions African Stars and have managed to cause major upsets already in their first season in the premier league.
“Training has been going well and the players are indeed ready to face Orlando Pirates.
“We are however wary that coach Woody Jacobs has returned and his team will not make things easy for us.
“It is for this reason we expect a tricky match that we will treat with caution,” Eichab said.
During the off-season, Khomas Nampol has among others completed the signing of Simon Ijambula from coastal side Swakopmund Sport Club.