The highly-anticipated 2024/2025 Debmarine Premier League returns this weekend with a thrilling lineup of matches.

First up, the newly-renamed Bucks Buccaneers, formerly known as Civics, will kick things off at 14h00 against Rundu-based Julinho Athletics at the University of Namibia (Unam) Stadium. 

Despite sitting 13th on the log, coach Bertus Bock and assistant James Britz are optimistic about the upcoming matches. 

They said the team is regaining its fitness.

Bock shared that the team remains optimistic following their weekend friendly matches. 

“We defeated African Stars 4-1 and Okahandja 4-0. We are ready and feeling very positive. Our goal is to secure six points this weekend. We are confident in achieving good results because we work together as a team,” he stated.

On Sunday, the Buccaneers will face off against Cuca Tops at 16h00 at the Unam Stadium. 

However, the real game to watch is the clash between league leaders Khomas NamPol and Young African at 16h00 on the same day.

Khomas Namibian Police (NamPol), under coach Fortune Eichab, sits at the top of the table with 16 points from seven matches. 

Their resumption of training last week has them geared up for the showdown against second-placed Young African, who have 14 points.

Young African owner Maleagi Ngarizemo is confident that his team, which has exceeded expectations, will rise to the challenge. 

Young African have 14 points from six matches played. 

“I hope the break didn’t affect our fitness. Khomas NamPol is a tough team, but we’ve beaten them before, and can do it again. We’re looking to collect four points from these two matches,” he said, referring to their Saturday game against NamPol and a Sunday clash with Young Brazilians.

As the season progresses, the pressure is on to secure enough points to stay clear of relegation. 

Ngarizemo noted that hitting 24 points would put the team in a strong position. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na

Here are the full fixtures for the weekend:

On Saturday

Bucks Buccaneers vs Julinho Athletics (Unam Stadium at 14h00)

African Stars vs Young Brazilians (Nau Aib at 14h00)

Ongos vs Blue Boys (Independence Stadium at 14h00)

Young African vs Khomas NamPol (Persianer Sports Stadium at 16h00)

Okahandja United vs Eeshoke Chula Chula (Nau Aib at 16h00)

Mighty Gunners vs KK Palace (Mokati Stadium at 16h00)

Unam FC vs Cuca Tops (Unam Stadium at 17h00)

Tigers vs Blue Waters (Independence Stadium at 17h00)

On Sunday

Unam vs Julinho Athletics (Unam Stadium at 13h00)

Tigers vs Blue Boys (Independence Stadium at 13h00)

Okahandja United vs KK Palace (Nau Aib at 14h00)

Mighty Gunners vs Eeshoke Chula Chula (Mokati Stadium at 14h00)

Young African vs Young Brazilians (Persianer Sport Stadium at 15h00)

Bucks Buccaneers vs Cuca Tops (Unam Stadium at16h00)

FC Ongos vs Blue Waters (Independence Stadium at 16h00)

African Stars vs Khomas NamPol (Nau-Aib at 17h00)