With the premier league set to go on a one-week recess, log leaders African Stars are still perfectly in charge of proceedings at the top of the table as they lead with a remarkable 41 points after 15 rounds of matches.
Stars defeated Young African on Saturday at the Legare stadium in Gobabis to further solidify their lead, leaving the closest league title rival Okahandja United trailing by a gap of 14 points in second place with 27 points.
Life Fighters, who lost 0-2 to Unam on Saturday and played to a goalless draw against Tura Magic on Sunday, are currently third on the log with 26 points and 15 points behind leaders Stars.
As things stand and if Stars’ pure dominance goes unchallenged in the upcoming rounds of matches, the Katutura glamour football club could be well set to win the 2022/23 Debmarine Namibia Premiership season with a couple of games to spare.
Stars have been a marvel to watch since the start of the current term and have received little challenge on the pitch from their respective opponents, whose playing personnel have proven to be a mismatch when benchmarked against Stars.
The table-toppers have scored 35 goals in all 15 league matches and have conceded only seven, while Okahandja United have managed to score 20 goals and have conceded 10. Fighters have scored 28 goals and conceded 20 in the process as they continue to put up a decent campaign this season.
After Sunday’s win away in Gobabis, Stars head coach Mervin Mbakera hailed his charges for their continued consistency and display of composure and maturity when things seem to be getting tough at times
“I must really give credit to our players, because they continue to give their all in every match and continue to make our supporters proud. The club’s management as well; their support to the technical team has really been outstanding and continues to pay off. But the mission is not yet completed as we still have to give it another final push to win the league and embark on our mission to challenge ourselves in Africa against the best. So, we will continue to work hard and focus on winning the league,” said a content Mbakera.
Stars veteran skipper Stigga Ketjijere on Sunday also applauded his teammates for putting up a spectacular campaign and for always ensuring the fans are happy and get what they deserve in return for their unwavering support towards the club.
“Our fans have really been amazing throughout all these games and we should continue to strive to be the best at all times. The boys have been amazing and continue to give their best. I’m happy with today’s (Sunday) win and from here, we take it further to accomplish our mission,” added Ketjijere.
Meanwhile, the relegation battle continues at the bottom of the log as league giants Black Africa find themselves lingering dangerously in 14th place with just 16 points after 15 rounds of matches in the 16-team league.
Coastal outfit Eleven Arrows are second from bottom with 13 points and Citizens remain rooted at the bottom with only two points from 15 league outings this season.
Citizens hold a worrisome record of the most goals conceded in the league so far, having conceded 40 goals in total and having only managed to score on nine occasions.
Namibia’s topflight league’s oldest club Tigers are also finding the going tough as they are 13th on the log with 13 points and if things don’t improve anytime soon, they could easily find themselves in the relegation zone as well.
Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) director Mabos Vries yesterday said teams should make use of this scheduled break to rest and refocus before the second leg resumes.
“We are going to have a week-long break before the league resumes, which will be next week. I want to urge the teams and the players to use this time to rest a bit and refocus as the second half of the season will be crucial for all,” said Vries.
- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na