OPUWO – As the Northeast First Division Football League season nears its conclusion, tension over the championship and relegation is mounting, with three teams vying for the title and a spot in the Debmarine Namibia Premier League.
With just three matches remaining, the suspense for promotion intensifies, keeping football fans on the edge of their seats as they wait to see which of Cuca Tops, Oshikango Chiefs and Ntunguru FC will be crowned champions, and join top-flight football next season.
Equally compelling is the issue of who will be relegated to their respective regional second divisions, with the dreaded two relegation slots lurking over seven teams like an averted plague in this struggle.
Cuca Tops are now leading after winning 2-0 over Eastern Chiefs on Saturday and another 2-0 over struggling Black Hawks on Sunday, boosting their promotion chances.
After a 2-1 victory over Omuthiya United in an all-Ohangwena affair on Sunday, Oshikango Chiefs are closing in on the premier league promotion race. However, the Ohangwena-based squad, leading the league for most of the season, was demoted to second place on Saturday after failing to secure maximum points in Tsumeb against Chief Santos, losing 2-1.
Ntunguru FC are third on the log with hopes to reach the elite division, having collected six points over the weekend with 2-0 wins over KK United and United Stars on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Other Saturday games featured a humbling setback for former Premier League counterpart Rundu Chiefs, who lost 6-0 to relegation-threatened Black Hawks in Katima Mulilo. Omuthiya United’s relegation woes grew after a 3-1 loss to Further Fighters, while Kangweru Black Tops defeated United Stars 2-1.
On Sunday, Eastern Chiefs forced a late one-all draw against Rundu Chiefs. At the same time, Kangweru Black Tops struggled after finding themselves in an imminent position, losing their premier league promotion hopes after drawing 3-3 against KK United.
Chief Santos were defeated 2-1 at home to Further Fighters.
With 19 games played, Cuca Tops leads the league with 41 points, followed by Oshikango Chiefs with 39 points, and Ntunguru in third with 35.
Kangweru Black Tops are fourth with 32 points, followed by Rundu Chiefs (28) and Further Fighter (26).
United Stars, Chief Santos, Eastern Chiefs, KK United, Black Hawks and Omuthiya United are all battling for survival. – Nampa