Uakutura Kambaekua
Dubbed Kahirona, Life Fighters’ brief stint in the Northwest First Division has come to an end following their promotion to the Namibia Premier Football League on Saturday.
This is all thanks to their leadership and the restructuring of their technical team.
Life Fighters have now joined Rundu Chiefs from the Northeast First Division (NEFD) and Blue Birds of Walvis Bay from the Southern Stream First Division (SSFD). The teams have won their respective divisions in the 2024/2025 season.
The trio will fill the gaps left by Young Brazilians and Blue Boys, who have now joined the SSFD, as well as Cuca Tops, who have been relegated back to the NEFD.
On their way to the top-flight league, the Jakaranda Boys, as Life Fighters are affectionately known, secured the title and their eventual promotion with a hard-fought 1-all draw against Eleven Warriors at Omulunga Stadium in Grootfontein on Saturday afternoon.
This was followed by another 1-1 draw against Ongwediva City at Mweshipandeka Secondary School Stadium on Sunday.
Both matches were attended by numerous supporters, who travelled from across the country to cheer their team into the top flight. Kahirona’s success story this season is largely due to their leadership restructuring after the mishaps, misunderstandings and disagreements experienced during their previous time in the Premier League.
This ultimately led to their relegation. It was through this restructuring that the successful coach Clarence Kaeka was reappointed to lead the team at the start of the 2024/2025 season, steering them back to victory.
Kaeka had also masterminded the team’s promotion from the third division over a decade ago, including their eventual promotion to the top league in 2017. He then stepped aside for Christy Guruseb, who was later dismissed.
Turipamue Upi then briefly took charge before Agnus Elemu took over in September 2018.
Kaeka returned once again in 2024. The jubilant Kaeka told Nampa shortly after the final whistle that their hard work and dedication had finally paid off.
He praised himself for returning the team to the Premier League for a second time.
“I am very happy for the team and myself. This is the second time I am bringing this team back to the league. I am accustomed to this.
“However, I must also thank the players who have demonstrated resilience, dedication and hard work for this success. Our supporters have done an excellent job by following us across the country, providing us with that 12th man,” he said.
Kaeka believes he has players capable of competing in the top-flight league next season.
Most of the squad were already part of the team that was relegated.
“The focus now is on the Premier League. I firmly believe that we have enough players who are up to the task. At least nine of them have already played in the Premier League,” he said.
He equally praised his technical team and the management for giving them the opportunity to serve their boyhood club through a structure he believes was necessary. They are fighting for the same goal – the betterment and success of Kahirona.
The coach noted that the team dominated their opponents on all fronts. They put themselves in a favourable position in the first round after going unbeaten in their first ten matches.
Their first defeat came from their closest title rivals, Okakarara Young Warriors, who beat them 1-0 in April in Okakarara.
The Okakarara outfit then edged them again in the second round with a 2-1 victory at Otjiwarongo in May.
Kahirona suffered a loss against Young Chiefs in June in Oshakati.
Formed in 1964 by Emil Kuhanga and others, Kahirona first joined the top-flight league in 1987 but were relegated after a few seasons in 1993.
They have never won the Namibian Premier League. After returning to the top tier in 1995, Life Fighters reached the finals of the Namibia FA Cup in 2000 and 2004, losing on both occasions.
They were relegated to the second division again in 2006, where they stayed for four seasons.
They then dropped further to the Otjozondjupa third division in 2010.
They later returned to the second division, fighting their way back to the top league in 2018.
This is where they remained for five seasons before being relegated again last season.
Boasting a squad of 26 young players and four technical team members, the Otjiwarongo-based side outperformed their 11 opponents across both rounds of the season.
They won 12 matches out of a possible 22, drawing seven and losing three.
Along the way, they scored 34 goals and conceded 19, achieving the best defensive record among their rivals.
Kaeka relied on the experience of veteran defender Omo Kaujama, who led the team throughout the season. This was alongside Piru Abel in goal and Drogba Karumendu, a versatile and seasoned midfielder who previously played for Young African and Okakarara Young Warriors. Other players who played key roles in the team’s promotion include Delvin Muvangua, Korunjo Boois, Agreen Uazeua, Stanley Haukambe, Steven Hambira, Ronaldo Tjikurunda, Lasarus Naruseb, talisman Neymar Hipose, Cannavaro Kamuhanga, Alexander Musinga, Challo Kuvare, Joseph Hamupolo, Ramoz Mueze, Max Kandundu, Izaldo Murotua, Abel Kariua, Chona Boois, Tefu Karupa, Kuzeue Uazako, Musuverua Katjivena, Elago Pump and David Duwe. The restructuring for the 2024/2025 season saw the team improve both in management and on-pitch results, rectifying past mistakes under the new leadership of Moses Kangumba as board chairman.
Barnabas Seun Tjizu was appointed vice chairman, Johanna Kazeundja as treasurer, Sydney Kavehaha as secretary, Harold Hamauka as spokesperson and Reja Kambanda as team manager.
Muli Tjazerua and Kevin Hitjii were appointed as additional members. Kaverere Komomungondo serves as the supporters’ club chairman, with Uzuva Mbarandingo as his deputy.
The technical team comprises Kaeka as head coach, assisted by Vevangapi Kavetuna and Oscar Tjikurunda.
Gotlieb Kangumba is the goalkeeping coach, while Eliakim Karamata continues as team doctor. The North West First Division Football League’s 2024/2025 season concluded on a high note.
There was a strong performance from several teams, including those who battled hard to avoid relegation and those that pushed Kahirona for the title.
The season ended with Okakarara Young Warriors in second place.
They were followed by Ongwediva City, Eleven Warriors, Onambula United, Ongulumbashe Diamond, Golden Bigs and Golden Bees. Teams such as Young Chiefs and African Motto made a final stand to avoid relegation in their last matches. Khuse Lions and Outjo Football Academy were shown the door, having been relegated to their respective regional second divisions.
– Nampa