Maurice Kambukwe
Rundu-based outfit Julinho Sporting Football Club (FC) will be playing hard to avoid another defeat in the Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) when they take on coastal team Blue Waters at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday.
Julinho have so far managed only one point after three games in group two of the NPFL, losing two and playing to a draw. They aim to win against Citizens on Sunday.
Speaking to New Era Sport yesterday, Nelson Luis, who heads the river team, said they want to avoid losing another encounter on the road this weekend.
He added that he believes it will be their chance to redeem themselves over the weekend, after a whole week of training and correcting errors from the previous games.
“We had a meeting with our players this week. So, heading into Saturday’s match, every single player knows what’s required of them. We have a fresh and promising squad with lots of talent. We will go out there and do well,” enthused Luis.
Meanwhile, Blue Waters’ head coach Paulus Shipanga said it would be a tough encounter against Julinho that is yet to collect points.
“It’s going to be a tough one, but our players are ready for this match. We have been preparing, and you can see the players are becoming more physical and mentally fit, which means great news for the team,”reasoned Shipanga. In other matches at the same stadium, Young Brazilians will take on Citizens in the second game on Saturday, while in the last match, in-form Orlando Pirates will take on Civics, who are also in good shape.
The Vineta Sports Stadium in Swakopmund will play host to matches in group one, which will see Young African confront Tura Magic, followed by a tie between Eleven Arrows and Black Africa. The final match of the day is between Mighty Gunners and Tigers.
On Sunday, Civics will take on Young Brazilians in the opening game at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, followed by a match between Citizens and Julinho. Wrapping up the day will be Orlando Pirates against Blue Waters.
On Sunday at the Vineta Sports Stadium, Tura Magic will confront Eleven Arrows in the first match, followed by Mighty Gunners vs Young African, before Black Africa take on Tigers in the last match of the weekend.
mkambukwe@nepc.com.na