FN Rangers can underline their maiden title credentials at the 35th edition of the Bayhill Premier Cup should they overcome the defending champion Grassy Park United in the last match of day three of the Bayhill Premier Cup.
This Easter spectacle has seen its fair share of surprises thus far at the Erica Park Sport Complex and clubs know all too well that they cannot take anything for granted as tournament football is so unpredictable.
Rangers got their campaign off to a winning start after they beat a spirited debutant Leeds United 2-1 in their opening match while Grassy Park hammered the visiting team Windhoek Gymnasium by 6-0 to take charge of Group H with their superior goal difference.
This is perfectly set-up for this humdinger. There will be a big crowd as it is just after the opening ceremony and the fireworks display – under the floodlights… fans can surely expect fireworks on the pitch as well as two quality sides will do battle and be eager to send out a message to their rivals.
Furthermore, the winner of this match will top the group and should be in the driving seat for the knockout stages.
Grassy Park will know all too well that Rangers are not to be taken lightly when they cross swords on the A- field at 20:00
Grassy Park’s manager Alaric Jacobs pointed out that there will be various factors that need to be taken into consideration for their big test against Rangers.
“We’ve only got four players from our current squad that played in the Bayhill team last year so experience-wise we got those four,” Jacobs told No Bones with Jones. “But the rest of the squad don’t have that experience in terms of playing in front of big crowds and I just think that aspect also needs to be looked at, you know.
“How are they going to react to that? I do believe if we play to our true potential we can and should beat Rangers, but on the day anything can happen. And as you said whoever wins this game should go through to the next round and the opponent obviously in the last 16 should be an easier game. But we are not looking at that. We are looking solely at tonight (Friday) and that is the message to the boys leading up to the match,” Jacobs added.
His counterpart from Rangers Warwick Hector said they will compete to the final whistle as they are eager to get a positive result.
Hector explained to No Bones with Jones: “Look, both teams set themselves very high standards and it will be a case of who can handle the pressure on the day. I must admit there were initial butterflies when the tournament started but we have settled. It will be a big occasion and hopefully the tow team can match the occasion on the field,” Hector concluded.
