Okahandja United head coach Richard Gariseb yesterday said their ultimate objective this weekend is to further close the gap atop the Debmarine Namibia Premiership log table.

 That mission starts tomorrow with a clash against Eleven Arrows at Okahandja’s Nau-Aib stadium. 

Gariseb, a retired Brave Warriors stalwart who also had stints with Indian premiership outfit Bhawanipore F.C and South African side Bidvest Wits as a defender back in the day, said they want to take it one match at a time and avoid unwanted schoolboy errors as they seek to maintain momentum. 

“Our aim this weekend is to collect maximum points and continue to strive to close the gap at the top of the table. We are currently fourth on the log and winning both our games this weekend could take us a step further in that direction. Although we face strong opponents, our team is oozing confidence and ready to give it our best,” said Gariseb, whose charges will face fifth-placed coastal giants Blue Waters at the same venue on Sunday after tomorrow’s match against struggling Arrows. 

United is currently fourth on the log standings with 22 points and Gariseb is adamant that they can still add to their points tally by beating both Arrows and Gunners this weekend. He said the team’s home advantage this weekend could work in their favour.

“Yes, we’re preparing thoroughly for the weekend because those will be two tough matches and we need to collect maximum points. We have been training all week and the players are ready for both matches as we will be playing at home,” he added.

They will, however, be without a few key players due to injuries but the gaffer remains undeterred about their prospects of back-to-back victories this weekend. 

“Our top goal score Uaondjavure Nakambare will not be in action this weekend due to a knee injury, but I have faith that the players on the bench will come in and deliver the goods for the team. I am positive they will rise to the occasion.”

Meanwhile, former Brave Warriors and South Africa’s Orlando Pirates striker and current Arrows care-taker coach Rudolf Bester said they are coming to Okahandja to fight for points and hopefully move out of the relegation zone, where they have been for some weeks now. 

“The players are feeling confident about the upcoming fixtures due to the morale boost from last weekend’s win against Tura Magic. I believe we can build on that momentum this weekend. As a team, we approach each game with a clear mindset and I have stressed to our players the importance of self-belief and accepting that losses are part of sport. Our focus is on maintaining consistency in our play,” he said.

Full Weekend Fixtures

Saturday, 11 February

Young African vs Young Brazilians

Black Africa vs African Stars

Tigers vs Civics

Orlando Pirates vs Citizens

Okahandja United vs Eleven Arrows

Mighty Gunners vs Blue Waters

Sunday, 12 February

Black Africa vs Young Brazilians

Orlando Pirates vs Civics

Mighty Gunners vs Eleven Arrows

Okahandja United vs Blue Waters

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na