OPUWO – The NamPort Erongo Second Division Football League is set to make its return this weekend after nearly three months of inactivity.
It will feature 12 double-header matches in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
The 2024/2025 season begins on Saturday and Sunday with the first two rounds at the Kuisebmund and Jan Wilken stadiums.
Teams will be vying for an early advantage, as a promotional spot in the Southern Stream Division League is on the line.
Meanwhile, some teams not in contention for the title will be eager to avoid relegation at all costs.
The league administration announced the weekend fixtures on Friday, revealing that three new clubs have joined the league: the well-known Sorento Bucks from Arandis, Walvis Bay Barcelona and Young Eleven.
These newcomers replace the relegated Java-Java, Western Spurs and Blue Birds.
They will face the challenge of competing against established league powerhouses.
They will need to prove their capabilities in intense matchups this weekend.
For Sorento Bucks, top-flight football is familiar territory. They competed in the Namibia Premier League from 1987 to 1991 before being relegated to the second division, a drop that marked the beginning of their struggles, eventually leading them to the lowest league in the country.
On Saturday, Bucks will have an opportunity to showcase their potential when they take on the Namibian Navy in Walvis Bay,before facing Young Eleven on Sunday.
The Navy team and Young Eleven will play Henties Bay United on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Last season’s Erongo Inland League champions, Karibib, will travel to Walvis Bay for their opening match against Northern Stars, followed by a game against Walvis Bay Barcelona on Sunday.
Before meeting Karibib, Walvis Bay Barcelona will take on Blue Jets on Saturday.
Other Saturday fixtures include Gendev versus Celtics, and Zula United against Swakopmund.
On Sunday, Zula United will face Celtic.
Northern Stars will challenge Blue Jets, and Gendev will take on Swakopmund.
This season promises to be fiercely competitive, with several teams making key signings to strengthen their squads.
Notably, Sorento Bucks have re-signed their former star player Tangeni Shipahu.
His goal-scoring prowess could prove crucial as they strive for both the title and a promotional spot.
– Nampa