The Southern Stream First Division League (SSFDL) outfit Friends Football Club is satisfied with their preparation for the next season.
The pre-season friendlies saw Friends FC, DS Football Academy, Khomas NamPol FC and Bucks Buccaneers converging at Rehoboth Stadium on Saturday in the Hardap region.
The Rehoboth-based team showed power and defeated DS Football Academy and premiere league outfit Bucks Buccaneers.
It stunned DS Football Academy 4-2 in the first match and crushed Bucks Buccaneers by a 3-2 scoreline in its second encounter.
Speaking to Nampa on Sunday, Friends FC coach Manfred Swartbooi said the purpose of the games was to test the fitness level of their players ahead of the coming season.
“We are satisfied with the outcome of these games, as our objectives were met. Our aim was to test our players’ fitness. They are on the right path,” he said.
Swartbooi added that the team wants to come back stronger this upcoming season despite uncertainty about the league’s kick-off.
“Of course, we have new players but are yet to be registered. That will be sorted out. We also noticed that the fitness part of some players is lacking, but we are working on it,” the coach said.
Asked about which area needs reinforcement, Swartbooi said almost all departments, starting from goalkeeper to the forward, need to be strengthened.
“We will add players. The priority is more on attacking aspect, as we need strikers as well,” he said.
Friends FC also added Otto Landsberg to their coaching section to help the team in the SSFDL.
The major concern for the team now is the uncertainty about the league kick-off, as the team is unsure of keeping players together to prepare for the season.
“Considering the costs involved, we are a bit sceptical about keeping these players and the new ones, as we are not financially okay to do so,” said Swartbooi.
In other preparatory matches played, Khomas NamPol lost by a solitary goal against Bucks Buccaneers.
Khomas NamPol returned to the field and stunned DS Football Academy 3-0.
Friends FC finished second in SSFDL last season behind the promoted coastal side, the Blue Birds.
– Nampa