With three matches remaining in the current 2024/25 Debmarine Premiership, Young Brazilians’ fight for survival takes centre stage with two crucial encounters.
The Karasburg-based team currently sits 15th on the log with 21 points from 27 matches. They need nothing short of a miracle to avoid joining Cuca Tops and Blue Boys, who are already relegated for this current season to the national First Division next season.
This weekend, they square off against KK Palace on Saturday at the Rundu Sport Stadium, a neutral venue they hope will work in their favour.
On Sunday, they are set to face Chula Chula at the Oscar Norich Stadium in Tsumeb. Brazilians are seven points behind Tigers and Bucks Buccaneers (both on 32 points), who currently occupy the safety threshold.
This means Brazilians must win all their remaining matches and hope that the Rundu-based team Julinho Sporting as well as Tigers and Bucks Buccaneers all drop points this weekend to create a survival opportunity.
Despite relegation battle, the focus for this weekend will be on who will claim the league title in the two-horse race between log leaders and MTC Maris Cup reigning champions, African Stars and Gobabis-based Young African, with fewer matches left to spare.
Defending champions African Stars could clinch the title this weekend.
They are currently leading the table with 53 points from 27 matches.
They hold a four-point advantage over their closest rivals Young African, who have 49 points.
Stars play Okahandja United on Saturday before a crucial match on Sunday against Mighty Gunners.
Meanwhile, Young African will square off against Gunners on Saturday before squaring off against Okahandja United on Sunday. If the Katutura giant win both their games this weekend, they will move to 59 points. This means that even if their rivals Young African win both their weekend games, they will only reach 55 points, leaving them four points behind with one game remaining.
However, if the Katutura giants record a win and a draw this weekend, while Young African win both their matches, Young African would move to 55 points.
This still leaves African Stars on top with 56 points and one game left, setting up a potential title-decider on the last day of the season.
Conversely, if African Stars lose both their matches while Young African win both of theirs over the weekend, it will leave both teams on 53 points.
This scenario would mean Young African could overtake Stars based on goal difference, keeping the title race alive until the final round.
Speaking to this publication yesterday, football analyst Marco Ndlovu said anything can happen over the weekend, as the title race remains wide open.
“I think the title could go to either of the top two teams if both play their cards right. Stars are poised to return to CAF competitions. I believe they will give their all in these final matches to ensure they clinch the title,” he said.
Ndlovu added that while African Stars hold the advantage, the situation could change dramatically if results do not go their way. “Statistics show that if Stars lose both their matches this weekend, it will open the door for Young African to capitalise and push the title decider to the final round,” he said.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na