Maurice Kambukwe
African Stars won the 2022/23 Debmarine Namibia Premiership in emphatic style when they dazzled fans with yet a stunning performance. They thrashed Young Brazilians 6-1 in their last league game of the season on Saturday at the Independence stadium in the capital.
Despite having already clinched the title some two weeks ago based on their great performances since the start of the league in October last year, Stars entered the game as firm favourites.
Going into the break with a narrow 2-1 lead, Stars turned up the heat in the second half, adding four more goals to seal a resounding victory. Speaking to journalists after the match, Stars’ captain Ronald ‘Stiga’ Ketjijere praised his team’s hard work and dedication, emphasizing that they deserved to be crowned champions.
“We have been working hard as a team throughout the season, and it’s fantastic to see all of that effort pay off with this championship win. From the players to the technical team and the supporters, we all shared the same goal from the outset, and it’s a great feeling to have achieved it,” said Ketjihere.
Willy Stephanus, the top goal scorer of the league with a total of 20 goals, echoed Ketjijere’s sentiments, attributing the team’s success to their collective hunger for the title. He confessed that he hadn’t planned on becoming the league’s top scorer but credited his teammates’ support and the team’s experience for his impressive goal-scoring feat.
“It wasn’t an easy season, but we had the advantage of having a very experienced squad, which definitely worked in our favour. However, I must say the entire team was fully committed to winning the league from the very beginning, and that motivated us to work hard every day to achieve our goal. As for me becoming the top goal scorer, I didn’t plan on it. I thought I would be providing assists for my teammates to score, but then I just kept on scoring,” he said.
During the trophy handover ceremony, sports minister Agnes Tjongarero applauded Stars for a good season and urged clubs and all relevant stakeholders to refrain from in-fighting in the future.
“This is good, it’s amazing. After three years without football, we are able to complete a season and crown the champions of the Debmarine Premier League. Look what Stars have achieved today, this shows good leadership. If you look back, these people were not involved in the infights and that’s what I want us to continue doing by refraining from that,” she said.
From 30 matches played, Stars tallied 73 points from 22 wins, seven draws and only one defeat.
Blue Waters ended second overall with 61 points off 18 wins, seven draws and five losses, while Life Fighters clinched third place with 51 points off 15 wins, six draws and 9 losses. Mighty Gunners ended fourth (50 points), Unam ended fifth (47 points), Okahandja United sixth (43 points), Tigers ended seventh (42 points), Tura Magic ended eighth (42 points), Young African ended ninth (40 points), Civics ended 10th (37 points), Orlando Pirates ended 11th (36 points), Young Brazilians ended 12th (34 pints) and Julinho Sporting ended 13th (33 points).
The relegated teams are Black Africa who ended 14th with 30 points), Eleven Arrows 15th with 26 points, and Citizens 16th with 11 points.
Meanwhile, Nampol, Eeshoke Chula Chula, and Okakarara Young Warriors gained promotion to take up their places in the elite league.
- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na