Following a third-place finish in the 2022/23 Debmarine season, Mitiri Mbunga, a member of the Life Fighters technical staff, has set an ambitious goal for the team as they aim at winning the league this season. 

The upcoming 2023/24 campaign will see Fighters kick off their season with a challenging encounter against Rundu-based team Juinho Sporting on the road, with hopes of securing maximum points. 

As the league prepares to resume, Mbunga conveyed his joy, extending his gratitude to the sponsors and all stakeholders, whose collective efforts ensured the return of top-tier football.

“These are indeed exciting times. We are all thrilled that football is finally set to recommence. I believe it’s essential to acknowledge the NFA normalisation committee and the various stakeholders who played a pivotal role in resurrecting the league. Players will once again have a purpose, and a multitude of economic activities will be rekindled,” he remarked.

Reflecting on their performance in the previous season and outlining their objectives for the upcoming one, Mbunga expressed his satisfaction with the team’s achievement, stating, “I am genuinely pleased with how the team fared last season. 

“Securing a top-three finish is a significant milestone and a success we should not downplay, although our aspirations were to secure at least the second spot. Nonetheless, we have regrouped, and I firmly believe we possess a highly promising team, capable of challenging for the league title this year. Our primary focus for this season is clinching the league title, and that sits atop our agenda.”

Regarding their opening match against Juinho, Mbunga acknowledged the formidable nature of their opponents but stressed the importance of starting the season with a victory. He remarked: “We must admit that it won’t be an easy fixture. Juinho has consistently proven to be a tough team to contend with, and we hold them in high regard for their style of play. However, as a team, we are resolute in our mission, which requires us to compete against them and secure a victory, notwithstanding the respect we have for their abilities. 

“Overall, we are fully prepared, having bolstered our squad and rectified the mistakes from the previous season. I firmly believe we will be the team to beat,” he said 

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na