By Carlos Kambaekwa
WINDHOEK – The congested MTC Premiership league fixtures is certainly taking its toll on players as can be attested by the top clubs’ inconstancy as they find it extremely hard to negotiate their way through two gruelling matches within a space of 24-hours.
Katutura giants African Stars, Black Africa, FNB Orlando Pirates and Tigers all suffered an assortment of surprise defeats in last weekend’s league action against opponents they would, under normal circumstances, have easily walked over.
Pirates were the hardest hit as the Buccaneers lost six valuable points against lesser opponents going down by narrow scores to both United Stars and Julihno on their far northern safari to Rundu.
Stars suffered their second league defeat in the current term after the Samba Boys were downed 2-1 by league rookies Rebels in the last of a quadruple header at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on Sunday.
Tigers and kid brother Tura Magic cancelled each other out in a dull goalless draw at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Sunday, while BA were made to play second fiddle to hoodoo team Civics. The Sadney Uri-Khob inspired Civilians defeated the reigning Namibian champions via a convincing 2-1 score line.
New Era Sports approached some of the leading coaches in the country’s topflight league to hear from the horse’s mouth and this is what they had to say:
“I know some pundits might say I’m looking for lame excuses but the reality is clear for everybody who follows football to see that the overall standard and quality has dropped dramatically,” African Stars outspoken mentor Woody Jacobs said.
“It should be noted that the injuries among the playing personnel are escalating as a result of too many matches without a proper break in between. Players are human beings and certainly require a decent recovery (period), which unfortunately is not the case at the moment,” said Jacobs.
He expressed hope that the football authorities would rethink the rescheduling of matches going into the resumption.
“This is something that we just have to accept and roll with the punches! For some strange reason, it has been working perfectly for us because we tend to be at our best in the second match.
“In all honesty, the idea is not that bad, especially with away matches if one considers the exorbitant costs of travelling but in terms of home matches, I suggest we should revert to the old method,” said Civics coach Christy Guruseb.