WINDHOEK OPTICS RAMBLERS Windhoek Optics Ramblers has advanced to the final of the prestigious NFA Cup!!

In a titanic semi-final clash against Blue Waters played at the Legare stadium in Gobabis on 30 April, Ramblers emerged as 2:1 winners! Ramblers dominated the first thirty minutes with Quinton Jacobs, Henrico Botes and Nico Nicodemus coming close to score. It was, however, Blue Waters who managed to score first in the 34th minute when they capitalised on a mistake by the Windhoek Optics Ramblers defenders. This goal against the run of play clearly shocked Ramblers and the half time whistle came as a big relief.

Tollie van Wyk’s and Dave Fransman’s half time talk must have inspired the Windhoek Optics Ramblers team as they fired on all cylinders in the second half.

In the 50th minute Patrick M’Kontwana succeeded with a short range effort after Henrico Botes provided the pass.And then in the 55th minute captain and playmaker Quinton Jacobs provided a defence splitting pass for Nico Nicodemus on the left wing whose perfect cross found the unmarked Henrico Botes in the penalty area. Henrico made no mistake and calmly headed the ball into the net of the Blue Waters goal to put Windhoek Optics Ramblers in the lead. Thereafter a titanic battle between the two teams erupted. Blue Waters hit the cross bar in the 65th Minute, but the Windhoek Optics Ramblers defence marshalled by sweeper Michael Pienaar and goalkeeper Esau Tjiuoro managed to stop all other attempts by Blue Waters. Ramblers were unlucky in the 85th minute when Patrick M’Kontwana hit the post after he received a perfect through ball from Quinton Jacobs.

Final score: Windhoek Optics Ramblers - Blue Waters 2:1.

Windhoek Optics Ramblers will now meet the mighty cup kings Black Africa in the final on 4 June 2005.

Congratulations to the entire team on another excellent performance!

This weekend we are back in action at home when we entertain African Stars and Orlando Pirates.

Exact details were not available at the time of going to press.

Testimony to the great form of our team currently is the fact that three out of five nominations for the April MTC Soccer Pitch player of the month’ on NBC TV award are from Windhoek Optics Ramblers. They are Quinton Jacobs, Michael Pienaar and Esau Tjiuoro!!

The Old Boys league started on 11 May 2005 and Ramblers played their first match away against DTS. Other participants will be SKW, Epukiro and Khomasdal Old Boys. Ramblers are the defending champions.

Jeff Luck was not at the club last Friday when his number was drawn.

Bad luck, Jeff!

The jackpot is thus N$ 1100 this Friday! Remember you have to be at the Club at 19H00 sharp in order to be eligible for the jackpot!

The popular Top Score 7-a-side for companies resumes this Friday.

For the tournament statistics and the results of last week please refer to this issue of PLUS or alternatively on the internet at www.ramblers.com.na.