JoЛo Adriano
The 2023/24 Debmarine Premiership season is expected to roar into life this coming weekend, with some mouth-watering fixtures lined up for Saturday and Sunday across the nation. The much- nticipated season was launched yesterday at the Namibia Football Association (NFA), with the draw for the firstround games being conducted at the same event.
Debmarine Namibia remains the official sponsor and has increased from N$13 million to N$18 million. In the first round games, Otjiwarongo-based Life Fighters will take on Rundu-based Julinho Sporting, while coastal outfit Blue Waters will welcome newly promoted Okakarara Young. Warriors in another exciting match. Young Brazilian will square it off against Khomas Nampol, while Civics will take on Tigers in their opening encounter. Newly promoted side Eshoke Chula Chula will square it off against Mighty Gunners, while Gobabis-based team Young African will face FC Ongos.
Defending champions African Stars will take on Orlando Pirates in the Katutura Derby this weekend at SKW Stadium. Reacting to the fixtures, Orlando Pirates head coach Ali Akan said he is excited about the kick-off, as players will again do what they love. In terms of their opponent, the former Tigers coach said he understands the pressure that comes with playing Stars, but his chargers are ready for such an encounter. “We are happy to return to the pitch again; it’s an exciting moment for Namibia football and the football fraternity at large. I think it’s going to be an exciting match between Pirates and Stars, given the history between the two teams, but we understand playing Stars is not going to be a walk in the park, but we are ready for such a test,” he said.
Information on the amount of monthly grants to teams and prize money will be announced at a later stage. Full Fixtures Young Brazilians vs. Khomas Nampol: J. Stephenus Stadium Blue Waters vs.Okakarara Young Wa r r i o r s : Jan Wilkens Stadium Young African Stadium vs. FC: Ongos Legare Stadium Eeshoke Chula Chula vs. Mighty Gunners: Oshakati Stadium Civics vs. Tigers: SKW Stadium Life Fighters vs. Julinho Sporting: Nau Aib Stadium African Stars vs. Orlando Pirates: SKW Stadium