Strauss Lunyangwe
The Hage Geingob High School stirred the pot in MTC HopSol Youth League when they walked over an uninspired Pioniers Boys 4-1 in their U/19 group clash at the Trustco United Football field on Saturday.
Hage Geingob stamped their authority when they drew first blood. Otja Hekeno bolstered his free kick past the goalkeeper in just under three minutes from kick-off time. The two teams then started launching attacks, and Ronaldhino Kazondjandja fired back just outside the box to level the game, giving them hope and a fighting chance.
Hage Geingob started playing calmly in their first encounter with Pioniers Boys to observe their style of play, which made their planning easier. They kept the midfield tight without committing too much, which gave Tommy Antindi a chance to strike a thunderous ball into the net just before halftime.
In the second half, Hage Geingob put the game to rest when Junias Luks and Junior Semau gave a good account of themselves to score the last two goals.
Coach Josia Hitanwa from Hage Geingob said his boys were committed during the game and stuck to the plan they had throughout the match.
“They avoided silly mistakes compared to their previous games and kept the ball more. They were focused today even after a draw earlier in the first half. Overall, they did well, we just have to rectify the small mistakes in the game,” he explained.
The coach lamented that they do not have a proper goalkeeper, and are waiting for the transfer window to open to get the right players in the squad.
“So far so good, we just have a problem with our goalkeeper because he is actually a defender. We are just waiting on the transfer window to open to also bring in some of the players from the smaller age group we saw at school; which are equally good. But the exposure for the boys is really good for us.”
Captain of the losing side Ginger Kuluma said the loss they suffered on the day was attributed to the lack of cohesion on the field, which gave the opposition, chances to capitalise.
“We just had a lot of arguments during the match which made it difficult to communicate with each other. The game was very difficult for us to play. We also have not been training much and we need more balls for that. Plus, our passing is a problem, which we need to look at,” he said.
Hage Geingob Secondary School now have eight points and sit at position number five on the log, while Pioniers Boys fell down the pecking order to position number 11 with just three points.
Elsewhere, Windhoek Gymnasium continued slumping further down the log standing when they were beaten by Katutura outfit Swallows 4-2 at the Trustco United Football field.
Windhoek Gymnasium coach Ephraim Tjihonge was at a loss for words with his team’s dismal performance, saying they gave away too many goals these past games.
“I don’t know what is the next thing to do because we are giving goals away and we are not working hard to score. The way we scored today was very difficult but we donated goals to the opposition. I don’t want to say we are going back to the drawing board because it means talking the same thing. For me, it does not make any sense. But let’s go back and see what needs to be fixed and maybe a couple of positional changes.”
Coach Jacobus Stein of Swallows was delighted with how they prepared for their fixtures because they are also playing in an U/21 tournament.
“Fortunately for us, we are busy with another tournament which has made our planning better for this match. That’s the game of football; we have to take our chances if we are leading and when you start getting relaxed, the other team will score if they get a chance. But my boys responded well in the second half and scored two more goals to secure the victory,” he said.
Windhoek Gymnasium now sit at position number nine on the log, while Swallows comfortably occupy position number two with 13 points.