Herson Kapanga
OTJIWARONGO – The Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) outfit Life Fighters’ head coach Bricke Kaaronda said his side’s lack of experience is proving costly in their return to the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Life Fighters, who earned promotion back to the topflight after a season in the Northwest First Division Stream, are struggling to adapt to the demands of the country’s elite league.
They currently sit 14th on the 16-team log with 13 points and occupy the final relegation position.
Speaking to Nampa on Saturday after their 3-0 defeat to FC Ongos at the Unam Stadium, Kaaronda described their current situation as worrying.
“In today’s game against Ongos, the players did not respond to what we expected,” said Kaaronda, who stated that one could clearly see they have a lot of inexperienced players but are trying despite struggling to respond to the game plans.
He said, although his team had a clear game plan, they were undone by the experience and quality of Ongos squad.
“We had our plan, but because of Ongos’ experienced players, we could not execute it. Tough luck to the boys. It was not an easy game. We are going back to the drawing board to see what we can do for the next match,” Kaaronda said.
Despite their relegation position, Kaaronda remains optimistic that Life Fighters can avoid the axe to the First Division.
“We are very worried about our log position, but we will continue to do our best to stay. With the players we have and the commitment they show, it is just a matter of winning one or two matches. Once we find our rhythm, you will see the difference. I am very positive and confident that we will move out of this position soon,” the coach said.
Life Fighters are level on 13 points with Okahandja United, who are 13th and currently outside the relegation zone.
With the NPFL standings tightly packed, no team can afford complacency.
Teams from first place down are at risk should they suffer a run of poor results, as only 13 points separate the bottom three from the league’s upper ranks. At the foot of the table, Julinho Athletic trail log leaders Mighty Gunners by 21 points.
Life Fighters, meanwhile, are just 14 points behind the leaders.
With the season only at its halfway stage, the relegation battle remains wide open.
– Nampa