After over two years of inactivity due to boardroom politics and the effects of Covid-19, activities in the country’s first division will finally roar back to life this weekend, with matches set to be played across the country.
Although the country boasts two national first division streams - Southern Stream First Division and the Northern Stream First Division - this weekend will see the return of activities in the Southern Stream First Division only, and matches will take place in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Okahandja and Keetmanshoop.
The Southern Stream First Division consists of 12 clubs from the Khomas, Omaheke, Erongo, Hardap and //Kharas regions, while the Northern Stream First Division consists of 13 clubs from Zambezi, Kavango, Oshana, Omusati, Kunene, Otjozondjupa, Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions.
This weekend’s Southern Stream First Division games form part of the Namibia Football Association (NFA) transitional season, and will see the league’s activities run until the end of July, along with the rest of the leagues countrywide.
The league has been divided into four groups, namely the Southern Stream, Coastal Stream, Central Stream and Inland Stream, and each group consists of three teams. Matches will be played home and away on a round-robin basis for the group stage until the various group winners are determined. The winners and runners-up of each group will then proceed to the quarterfinal playoffs on a knock-out basis.
In tomorrow’s action, round one will see Western Spurs taking on Northern Stars FC and DTS Hopsol FC facing WHK United, while Spoilers FC will confront Khomas Nampol FC. Matches are across venues in Windhoek, Swakopmund and Okahandja. Also tomorrow at the Keetmanshoop’s J. Stephanus stadium, Dates Eleven FC will play against Namibia Correctional Service FC.
On Sunday, Try Again FC will face Namibia Correctional Services FC in Keetmanshoop round two matches, while Spoilers will take on Eleven Champions in Okahandja. Ramblers FC will square off against DTS Hopsol in Windhoek and Blue Boys will face Western Spurs FC at Swakopmund.
Meanwhile, acting Southern Stream First Division administrator, Tovey Hoebeb announced on the NFA website that no spectators will be allowed at all venues.
“Although the national regulations state 100 people are allowed at a time due to Covid-19, football protocols remain the same, thus no spectators will be allowed at any of the venues and that should be adhered to throughout this transitional season,” appealed Hoebeb.
-ohembapu@nepc.com.na