Shikongo to handle Leopards vs. Al Merreikh CAF Cup clash

Namibian referees again answer a CAF call-up this weekend as they will officiate the CAF Confederation Cup playoff match between giant-killers Black Leopards of South Africa and Al Merreikh of Sudan on Saturday.

MTC Premiership referee of the Season Rainhold Shikongo will lead a four –men Namibian delegation that will include MTC Premiership assistant referee of the season David Shaanika, as well as Helmut Andreas and Simson Shahungu.

The quartet leaves for South Afrcia on Friday and returns home on Sunday and Shaanika said his team is looking forward to the challenge.

“CAF have the confidence in us to officiate these big games and we have to return that favour by being at our usual best throughout the match.” Shaanika said.

The encounter between Leopards and Al Merreikh was initially scheduled for the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto but Black Leopards this week moved it to the Ellis Park Stadium due to logistical problems.

Black Leopards came back from three goals down to lose 3-2 against Al Merreikh in the quarter-finals two weeks ago in the first-leg of the play-offs for group stage places.

Having overcome a two-goal first-leg deficit against Warri Wolves of Nigeria in the previous qualifying round, Black Leopards will be hopeful of overturning the deficit on July 15 before their supporters.

Black Leopards just avoided relegation from the South African Premiership last season and have exceeded expectations on their continental debut with wins over Motor Action of Zimbabwe, Lupopo of Democratic Republic of Congo and Wolves.