Gobabis-based outfit Young African have been dragged into an unfamiliar relegation battle in the Namibia Premier Football League, sitting in 11th position out of 16 in the table with 27 points and only five matches left to salvage their season.
Head coach and club owner Marley Ngarizemo did not hide his disappointment, describing the current situation as unprecedented in the club’s recent history.
“In the 10 years we have been competing in the league, this is the first time we find ourselves in this position,” he said.
Ngarizemo attributed the team’s struggles to a combination of factors but was particularly critical of players’ off-the-field conduct and lack of discipline, which he believes has had a direct impact on performances.
“There are too many issues contributing to where we are. One of the biggest concerns is the negative habits of footballers and their discipline away from the pitch,” he said.
Despite their precarious position, Ngarizemo remains cautiously optimistic.
He pointed to the remaining fixtures as an opportunity for the team to turn things around, with clashes against Okahandja United, Blue Waters, Mighty Gunners and Life Fighters still to come. He noted that the club is expecting points from their unresolved match against Rundu Chiefs.
“If we collect those points, it will push us up and give us a chance to move up the log. Looking at the fixtures, I believe we are in a better position than some of the teams around us,” he said. The veteran football figure stressed that survival remains the primary objective, with the team determined to fight until the end of the campaign.
“We are going to fight to survive relegation. We will remain firm,” he stressed. Amid the challenges, Ngarizemo praised the league’s growing competitiveness, highlighting the improved quality brought by various clubs. “There is healthy competition among players, and clubs have recruited well. The league has become very competitive, and that shows we are moving in the right direction,” he added. -lmupetami@nepc.com.na