Zebaldt Ngaruka
Orlando Pirates head coach Ivan Namaseb has attributed his team’s recent slump in form to mounting fatigue, following two consecutive defeats in the Southern Stream First Division League (SSFDL) over the weekend.
The Katutura-based outfit suffered a 3-1 loss to Try Again on Saturday, followed by a 2-0 defeat against Mariental SC on Sunday.
Speaking to New Era Sport, Namaseb said limited player availability has forced his side into a tight corner, as the club only registered 17 players – several of whom are sidelined with injuries.
“We find ourselves in a tough situation. Prior to registration, we had disputes with the Namibia Football Association, which led to some of our players signing for other clubs,” Namaseb explained.
He further noted that the team often travels without adequate support staff, which adds to their difficulties when facing back-to-back matches against well-rested opponents.
“It’s very demanding for our players to go up against fresh teams every weekend, especially on Sundays. But we have no choice—we have to honour our fixtures,” he added.
Despite the adversity, Namaseb remains optimistic about Pirates’ survival chances, stating that the team’s main focus is to retain its spot in the league and rebuild for the next season.
“We need at least two more wins to be safe from relegation. Our objective is to stay in the league and start afresh next season,” he said.
Pirates currently sit eighth on the log with four games remaining. Namaseb praised his players’ fighting spirit, especially considering they entered the season without a pre-season training camp.
“The boys have done well under tough circumstances. There was no pre-season, but they showed up and played with patriotism. They deserve credit,” he said.
Looking ahead, Pirates will face two tough assignments against Rehoboth-based clubs – Friends FC and Latinos FC.
“These will be challenging matches. Friends FC are pushing for promotion while Latinos FC are fighting to avoid relegation,” Namaseb noted.
Friends FC currently occupies second place on the log with 30 points, trailing leaders Blue Birds by three points. Latinos FC, on the other hand, sit second at the bottom with nine points. Former top-tier giants Black Africa anchor the log with just seven points.
Weekend SSFDL round-up
Elsewhere in the SSFDL, Date Eleven FC delivered a stunning 4-1 victory over Friends FC at J. Stephanus Stadium in Keetmanshoop on Saturday. Meanwhile, Black Africa held league leaders Blue Birds to a goalless draw at Rehoboth Stadium.
In Oranjemund, Oranjemund FC and Latinos FC shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Ramblers FC and Eleven Arrows also played to a 1-1 stalemate at Ramblers Stadium.
Sunday’s action saw Blue Birds fall 4-2 to Ramblers FC at the same venue. Friends FC bounced back with a 3-0 win over Oranjemund FC, while Date Eleven FC were held 3-3 by a determined Latinos FC. Eleven Arrows overcame Black Africa 2-0, and Mariental SC wrapped up the weekend with a 2-0 win over Pirates at Persianer Stadium.
-zngaruka@yahoo.com