FC Ongos head coach Ronnie Kanalelo has hit the ground running as he prepares his side for this weekend’s Round 8 and 9 clashes in the Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL).
Kanalelo, who recently took charge of the club, faces a demanding schedule, with his team lining up against Rundu Chiefs tomorrow before taking on Julinho Sporting on Sunday.
While being cautious not to reveal too much, Kanalelo insists the squad is aligned and ready for the challenge.
“Without publicly revealing our strategy, let’s just say the tactical plan has been outlined and everyone, except Eddy, who was on national duty, is on the same page. The bottom line is a player has only two responsibilities that must be fulfilled within the principles of each game moment, to attack and to defend,” he said.
Elsewhere, Marley Ngarizemo’s Young African is also in for a busy weekend. They face Bucks Buccaneers today and will square off against Okahandja United on Sunday.
In the league table, Mighty Gunners lead with 13 points from five matches, followed closely by African Stars with 10 points from the same number of games. KK Palace sits third as the early competition begins to tighten.
Young Africans, meanwhile, are under pressure to turn their fortunes around, with Ngarizemo urging his players to rise to the occasion this weekend.
“It won’t be easy. Last time they beat us under Ronnie Kanalelo. I think it’s time we raise our game. We haven’t done so badly, but with only 15 points so far, it’s not a good sign. We must win this weekend. Nothing else will get us into the leaders’ circle. It’s clear to the players: it’s a win or nothing,” said Ngarizemo.
“It’s not going to be easy in Okahandja. The objective is maximum points this weekend. We pay the players a lot of money, so we need to work hard. They are ready and look good. They must go correct the embarrassment they gave against Unam FC, the first time we lost 3-0 in our whole history. The players must go back and reflect. We believe and trust in them,” he said.
With intensity rising across the league and coaches making clear demands, the NPFL weekend promises high stakes, pressure, and crucial points on offer.