Hilma Nalupe
Round 10 and 11 of the Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) concluded over the past weekend at stadiums in Windhoek, Otjiwarongo, Oshakati and Okahandja.
African Stars FC has risen to the top of the NPFL log standings after defeating Okahandja United 3-0, with goals scored by Thabang Malane, Godwin Eiseb and Turipamwe Mbongora at the Nau-Aib Stadium in Okahandja. The win comes after Stars lost 0-1 to Bucks Buccaneers on Friday at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.
After a week at the top of the log in first place, KK Palace has moved down to second position. The team lost 0-1 to Ongos and drew 0-0 with Unam FC at the Independence Stadium in Oshakati.
Life Fighters FC remains at the bottom of the log, in the relegation zone, and can only hope to get out. Life Fighters drew in their last matches, 2-2 against VEN Blue Waters FC and 1-1 against Eleven Arrows FC at the Mokati Stadium in Otjiwarongo.
When asked what the team plans to do to leave the relegation zone, Life Fighters FC head coach Bricks Kaaronda said most of his players have come from the first division and are currently not able to do much against seasoned Premier League players, but he believes they are starting to get better as he continues to encourage them to play to win.
“The players are starting to pick up; we won against Chula Chula previously and drew our last two games. Those games were ours to win, but, unfortunately, we threw them away. All I can do is encourage the boys to do better. But I am hoping to get better results this weekend,” Kaaronda said. He further stated that it is still early, and the chances of his team leaving the relegation zone are still high.
In other Premier League matches over the past weekend at the Windhoek Independence Stadium, Khomas Nampol lost 0-2 to Okahandja United but defeated Bucks Buccaneers 3-1. Young African FC lost 0-2 to Rundu Chiefs, Tigers drew 1-1 with Julinho Athletic and won 1-0 against Rundu Chiefs, while Young African FC lost 0-2 to Julinho Athletic.
In Oshakati at the Independence Stadium, Eeshoke Chula Chula defeated Ongos 2-1 and drew 0-0 against Unam.
At the Mokati Stadium in Otjiwarongo, Mighty Gunners FC drew 0-0 with Eleven Arrows FC and 1-1 against VEN Blue Waters FC. -hnalupe@nepc.com.na