Agrippa Kamho Haindongo, the chairman of the newly promoted Rundu-based outfit, Rundu Chiefs, has attributed their promotion to the topflight football league to effective team management on and off the field.

The team secured promotion after an emphatic 3-0 victory over Shooting Stars, and being crowned champions of Namport North-East Stream 1st Division 2024/2025 season with 42 points. 

This marks their return to the premier league after their exit in the 2017/18 season.

Reacting to the team’s promotion, Haindongo, who took over as chairman at the beginning of last season, couldn’t hide his excitement, calling it a dream come true. He said this has been their plan since he assumed leadership.

“As expected, Rundu Chiefs have qualified for the premier league, which is what we envisioned at the beginning of the season. It wasn’t necessarily hard gaining promotion, but consistency and belief brought us here, and we hope to achieve even more things,” he said.

Asked about the key factors behind the team’s success this season and what set Rundu Chiefs apart, he replied: “After taking over as the head of the team, we had to make a few changes. We needed to strengthen the team, and that’s what we did, and today we have these results.”

“I think time and dedication also contributed massively to the team’s success. As a businessman and team owner, I have a lot on my plate, but I ensure the team gets my full attention and whatever they require. I spent more than N$ 300 000 to ensure the team was in good shape. We also made sure our players and technical team were satisfied with what we were doing, and once they are happy, a team can reach any heights,” he said.

On plans to strengthen the club on and off the pitch to ensure they remain competitive in the Premier League, he said: “Hard work starts now; we have to open our pockets. It would mean we have to go into the market and acquire quality players for the premier league,” he said. 

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na