Zebaldt Ngaruka 

GOBABIS – Eeshoke Chula Chula head coach John Sikerete said his team is well-prepared for the weekend encounters against African Stars and Young African in the Debmarine Premier League.

The Ohangwena-based Chula Chula will play champions Stars on Saturday and Young African FC on Sunday in Windhoek and Gobabis, respectively. 

Sikerete said all players are ready, and preparations are on the right track.

“We are preparing the same as usual. There is no easy game in the Premier League, but we are ready to face Stars and Young African on their home grounds this weekend,” he stated.

Sikerete said the team from Ohangwena has a good away record, and they want to continue getting points away from home.

“Of course, this will motivate us against any opponent. We have only lost one away game this season against Unam, won five times, and a couple of draws,” said the coach.

He emphasised that this is the second round, and the team cannot afford to slip down, but to push up for league glory.

Chula Chula currently occupies the seventh spot in the Debmarine Premier League log table.

“Although we have assembled a new squad this season following the departures of many players, I am happy and have confidence in my players,” the coach said.

Meanwhile, Young African FC’s manager Maleagi Ngarizemo said the Gobabis-based outfit will push for maximum points on their home ground.

Last weekend’s performance away from home was an important win for Youngile, and placed them in second place behind leaders Starlile.

“We needed to win to stay in contention. I told my boys to believe in themselves, and that defeating a side like Khomas Nampol at their home ground was a milestone,” said the manager.

Ngarizemo added that the title race is still on, and the players know the task in front of them.

“We are pushing and looking forward to exciting matches. We don’t have injuries, and no players on cautions suspensions. The team spirit in the camp is high, as it is fuelled by last weekend’s positive results,” he added.

He then called on supporters to come in numbers and rally behind their team.

“We are playing against well-supported teams with a fan base everywhere, so let’s outnumber them in our mighty Omaheke region,” said Ngarizemo. 

Chula Chula will be travelling to the central regions with their northern counterparts KK Palace, where Palace will play Young African on Saturday before Sunday’s fixture against Stars. -zngaruka@yahoo.com