The Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) roars back into action this weekend as the second leg of the season gets underway, with Rounds 6 and 7 delivering a mouth-watering double-header of fixtures across the country.

The weekend’s action kicks off tonight at the Independence Stadium, where Khomas Nampol FC lock horns with Shandumbala-based Tigers FC at 19h00 in what promises to be a tense and closely contested encounter.

Khomas Nampol head coach Fortune Eichab admits his side finds itself in an unfamiliar territory, hovering just above the relegation zone, but insists the team is mentally and physically ready to turn the corner as the second leg begins.

“We know our current situation. We are hovering above the relegation zone, but that’s football. Sometimes you go through periods where results do not come, and if you do not win games, you end up where we are. However, we have responded well,” Eichab said. 

He revealed that the club has used the break productively, focusing heavily on rebuilding fitness and cohesion within the squad over the past three weeks.

“We have been preparing intensively in terms of fitness, but fitness is not only determined by how you train, it’s also about how you play,” he explained. 

“This match against Tigers will be very difficult. It is the first game of the year and the first match after the mid-season break, so there’s a lot at stake,” he added.

Game-game approach

The Khomas Nampol coach stressed that his side would take a game-by-game approach, starting with Tigers before shifting focus to their next opponent, Young African.

“Our aim is simple: to go out and play football. When we do that properly, the results will eventually follow. We are not panicking about our position because we know we can move away from it. But points are non-negotiable; without them, you stay stuck,” he said.

Eichab believes the second leg still offers ample opportunity for teams to reshape their campaigns, especially with most sides having reinforced their squads.

“The second leg is still a long way to go. The boys are eager, they are ready, and they are hungry to stamp their authority. All teams have been reinforced, so it will be a different game altogether. Fans can expect a new approach from us, but we will also be cautious. We want to attack Tigers, but we will defend as a unit and in numbers,” he added.

Prepared

Meanwhile, FC Ongos head coach Ronnie Kanalelo says his side is approaching the demanding double-header weekend with clear intent and ambition, fully aware that the league is results-driven.

“When you are in a results-driven industry, you must be clear about your objectives,” Kanalelo said. 

“We are approaching these matches with a clear plan, and our aim is to collect maximum points,” he added. Head coach of Blue Waters, Mammie Kasaona, said the players have been hard at work. 

“We are playing the Bucks this weekend at home. The boys have been hard at work. There is no easy team in football. We are ready, and everything is possible. We are looking forward to the matches,” said Kasaona.

At the top of the standings, Mighty Gunners currently lead the NPFL log with 24 points from 13 matches. They are closely followed by Chula Chula in second place with 23 points from 13 matches, separated only by goal difference. African Stars sit third on 23 points with five draws, while UNAM FC occupy fourth place, also on 23 points but with eight draws. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na