Ongos Ladies FC delivered a commanding performance, overwhelming Namib Daughters with a 10-0 victory in Saturday’s FNB Women’s Super League match at Unam Sports Field.
Despite the emphatic scoreline, Ongos Ladies’ head coach Shama Gure said it was not one of the team’s best performances, and expressed frustration over his players’ failure to fully execute their game plan.
“The girls started off like diesel engines,” Gure said. We began with a basic 4-4-2 formation and then switched. But since there wasn’t much happening in the opposition’s attack, we moved to a 3-5-2 set-up, which gave us the upper hand. However, what is the purpose of dominating the match if you’re not utilising the opportunities presented? The scoreline could have been bigger, but we’re grateful for getting the much-needed result and improving our goal difference.”
When asked about his confidence in defending their league title, Gure made it clear that Ongos Ladies are not relying on any favours. “We are out to collect maximum points in every match we play,” he said.
Meanwhile, Namib Daughters’ head coach Michael Pengeyo reflected on his team’s struggles but praised their effort against the defending champions.
“The girls played well, knowing very well that they were up against the title holders,” Pengeyo said. “Our initial intention was to defend, but then I don’t know what happened as a fight broke out between two of our players. We received a red card, and from there, the team lost its shape and positioning.”
Namib Daughters remain at the bottom of the league standings, just as they did last season. However, Pengeyo is optimistic about their chances of bouncing back in the second leg of the competition.
“These kinds of circumstances are normal in football. We just tell the players to keep fighting so that we can strengthen the team and avoid relegation,” he remarked.
Meanwhile Unam Bokkies thrashed Nust Babes 6-0 in a universities’ derby at the same venue. Unam’s head coach Thuba Sibanda expressed satisfaction with her side’s performance. “Indeed, we are happy with how the game went on Saturday, and being able to put some much needed points on the log.
“We end the first leg in the sixth position and look forward to seeing how second leg shapes up for us. Bokkies are in an exciting rebuilding phase and it’s good to see how our youngsters and some of our new signings, are picking up confidence and starting to find their footing in the league. Looking at the current log standing, it’s going to be a very interesting and competitive second leg and I am excited to see how we measure up as we remain optimistic.
“We have a decent squad that can stand it’s ground against some of the top teams as the first leg indicated,” said Sibanda.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na