The North-east Stream First Division football league (NESFD) will be the only stream in action this weekend, as competition for promotion to the Debmarine Premier League intensifies, with four teams dominating the league thus far.
There will be no room for slip-ups this weekend as third- and fourth-placed clubs Ntunguru and Kangweru Black Tops attempt to capitalise on the extended absence of league leaders Oshikango Chiefs and second-placed Cuca Tops.
The weekend fixtures, as shared by league administrator Daniel Namwira yesterday show that Ntunguru will travel to Bagani tomorrow to salvage three points if they are indeed dedicated to challenging the league and joining the Namibia Premier League next season, as they face Eastern Chiefs, who too have a lot at stake, with relegation worries looming.
Kangweru Black Tops will face recuperating Katima Mulilo’s pride Black Hawks at Katima Mulilo Stadium. United Stars will be at home against Tsumeb-based Chief Santos at Dr Romanus sports field, while relegation-threatened Kephas Kamanya ‘KK’ United will face another relegation candidates, Omuthiya United.
The action continues on Sunday, with KK United taking on Chief Santos and United Stars facing Omuthiya United, while Eastern Chiefs attempt to ease their relegation concerns when they host Kangweru B Tops at Bagani village.
Black Hawks and Ntunguru will conclude the weekend's games at Katima Mulilo.
With seven games remaining in the league, Oshikango Chiefs lead the pack with 29 points after 13 matches, winning nine, losing two and drawing two. Cuca Tops are in second place with 25 points, eight wins, one tie and four defeats.
Ntunguru FC is third on the log standings with 19 points after four wins, seven draws and two losses, with Kangweru Black Tops in fourth place with five wins, four losses and four draws on 19 points, and Chief Santos trailing behind them on 17 points, which they share with United Stars in sixth place.
Rundu Chiefs (7), Eastern Chiefs (8), and Black Hawks (9) all have 15 points apiece, raising relegation concerns with any slip-ups from them.
However, relegation is likely if Further Fighters (10), Omuthiya United (11) and KK United (12) fail to get maximum points in their remaining games. - Nampa