Zebaldt Ngaruka
Three Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) relegated teams are optimistic of returning to the country’s elite league and promise to do better than before.
New Era Sport spoke to the team heads who shed light on the season and the road ahead.
Tigers FC chairperson Nelson Akwenye said the team had a poor season, which was compounded by infighting among members and supporters, something that has badly affected the club.
“We are not the first big team to be relegated. Look, where is Black Africa, Orlando Pirates, even in our neighbouring South Africa, big teams and elsewhere in the world, big teams faced relegation,” he said.
The chairperson added that running a community team is not easy and that people should consider privatisation.
He further urged club supporters to rally behind the team, saying that it is not the end of the Tigers. It’s not how you go down but how you get up,” he stated.
Rundu Chiefs FC chairperson, Agripa Haindogo, said the club is well established in terms of management and players and will not struggle at all.
“In football, we take whatever comes our way. We go back to the drawing board, reform and come back stronger,” he said.
The chairperson said it was not their season, as it was coupled with a few challenges, including poor referee decisions, and supporters had to remain united and build the team going forward.
“Let’s not lose hope, we were deducted points, the Namibia Football Association (NFA) didn’t follow the process of rules and regulations. If I wanted football to hold, I could report NFA to CAS. But yes, let’s move on,” he said.
Life Fighters’ Bricks Kaaronda said the Otjiwarongo-based team will come back and will not be relegated this time.
“We have been rotating between, but this trend will end going forward. We belonged to the Premier League,” he said.
Kaaronda said the team will keep its 70% of its players, and the doors are open for those who want to join.
“We will start early with our preparations in the North West First Division Football League. Our supporters must keep rallying behind the team as it is their only team in Otjiwarongo,” he said.
The NPFL will come to an end this coming weekend.