Zebaldt Ngaruka
Two Otjiwarongo-based emier league outfits Mighty Gunners and Life Fighters FC set their goals for the upcoming Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) 2025/26 league campaign.
Gunners finished fifth in the league last season while Life Fighters, better known as Kahirona, gained promotion to the elite league from Northern-West Stream First Division.
In an interview with New Era Sports, Kati Nambandi, Gunners’s head coach, said the club aims to push higher with the top three finish or content for league title.
“We also want to secure continental qualifications and do better in domestic competitions,” said the head coach.
Namandi added that the team will be looking to improve on their consistency in home matches, saying that the club will engage fans to win the local (Otjiwarongo) bragging rights to attract support from the community.
With regard to preparations to the league, the head coach said the club has gone adequate physical preparation.
“We have improved on tactical coherence from last season and will enter the new season with a stable core,” he said.
Furthermore, Gunners in efforts to strengthen their squad, signed new players like Chester Iitula from Blue Waters, Given Mutuezu (African Stars), Kariseb Mutani (Okahandja United), Books Mutani (Sundowns), Nepembe Johannes (Brave Lions), Kahajo Jatona (Okakarara Young Warriors), Muyeka Mashiku and David Jason (both Airborne FC).
Onto the derby fixture set for Sunday, Nambandi said Life Fighters is a strong side, especially on the derby days.
“We respect them, but not fear them. We have a good record against them, and we are looking forward to imposing our style and maintaining the record,” he said.
The head coach said the derby games are normally emotional games, but we keep calm and stick to their game plan.
“Derby means more than points. It is about pride,local bragging rights, and momentum, and it can set a tone for season,” said the head coach.
He called on the supporters to come in numbers and play their part on the first game of the season.
“This is vital a vital match as it is a derby and we need your usual support,” he said.
On his part, Mully Tjazerua, one of the Life Fighters FC Directors said the team is ready for the NPFL 2025/26 campaign and the aim is to avoid relegation.
“We started with preparations a month a go and the boys are ready to deliver. We bolstered our team with new players, some with premier league experience and lower division leagues,” he said.
Tjazerua also informed this publication that the team is currently in the hands of interim coaches while the search for a coach continue.
Club’s veterans Oscar Tjikurunda and Bricks Kaaronda are in charge of the team populary known as Kahirona.
On the derby match on Sunday, Tjazerua said the derby is always a different game and his team is ready to lock horns with Gunners.
“We know each other well, and we are confident of winning the derby. We are are focused and ready to give them though time on the field,” he said.
Tjazerua further called on the supporters to come in numbers and rally behind the team on Sunday.
zngaruka@yahoo.com