ONGWEDIVA – The final round of fixtures of the 2023/24 Namibia Premier Football League will see recently promoted Eeshoke Chula Chula aim to conclude the season on a high note, while log leaders and defending champions African Stars will want to maintain the status quo.
Currently positioned fifth with 21 points from 13 matches, Chula Chula has managed to win six matches, suffered four losses and battled to three draws. Despite a commendable performance, they find themselves 10 points adrift of the log leaders, African Stars, who command the top spot with 32 points.
This weekend, the 2023 Dr Hage Geingob Football Tournament champions face a formidable challenge as they square off against coastal powerhouse Blue Waters at home in Oshakati tomorrow, followed by a clash with Okahandja United on Sunday.
Speaking from their training ground at Helao Nafidi Stadium in the Ohangwena region, club chairman Tamhila Ambrosius emphasised the significance of these upcoming fixtures.
“It’s very simple. The moment we ascended to the Namibia Premier Football League, we understood the challenges ahead. Our mission is clear – to win every match in the league. Every opponent is formidable to us, and we approach each game with the same level of determination. That’s our approach this weekend,” Ambrosius admitted.
Acknowledging the strength of Waters, Ambrosius expressed confidence in his team’s preparedness.
“We are aware of the danger they pose on the field, but we won’t be intimidated. We are ready to give our best this weekend.”
“The mood in the camp is incredibly high; the players are eager to perform in front of their fans. We anticipate a stellar performance, with all players in good shape and no injuries. We expect to secure maximum points this weekend,” he said.
Meanwhile, Waters Exco member Matias Haufiku said despite playing away from home, the team is determined to collect maximum points.
“We treat all games the same; hence, we are preparing for this weekend’s matches with the same energy and zeal to win. Preparations for his weekend’s matches against Chula Chula and Mighty Gunners have gone according to plan, and we can assure our ardent followers to expect stellar performances so that we can end the year on a high note,” he said.
In other weekend encounters, Stars will face 13th-placed Civics at Independence Stadium in the capital at 19h00 today.
Tomorrow’s action includes the Young Brazilians squaring off against Gobabis-based Young African and Khomas Nampol facing Ongos, with Otjiwarongo-based outfit Mighty Gunners playing Okahandja United at Mokati Stadium.
Okakarara United, currently 14th, will clash with the struggling Life Fighters, while Rundu-based Julinho takes on Unam, positioned 11th.
On Sunday, Brazilians will face Ongos, Nampol will confront Young Africans and Gunners will welcome Waters.
Bottom of the log Pirates will challenge Civics. Stars will tackle Tigers, and Fighters will face Unam. Okakarara United will then host Julinho Sporting at Omulunga Stadium.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na